The Ohio State football team took a while to find its new defensive coordinator. After Jim Knowles split for Penn State, Ryan Day took his time finding his replacement. It was an involved process that took longer than some Buckeye fans would have liked.
In the end, Day decided that Matt Patricia was the right man for the job. Already, it seems like players are happy with him in the building. Not only has he gotten positive reviews from them, but from other members of the coaching staff, as well. He has been a big hit.
There is a massive difference between him and Knowles that is already extremely noticeable. While Knowles didn't like to get on the recruiting trail and meet with recruits, Patricia has hit the road hard. He is looking to build relationships with guys quickly.
Matt Patricia is recruiting harder than Jim Knowles ever did for the Ohio State football program
When he was hired, there was skepticism about whether or not Patricia was going to be involved in recruiting. His personality seemed bristly, especially when he was in the NFL. That didn't seem to be conducive to meeting recruits and their families in their homes.
So far, the complete opposite has been true. He has been willing to hit the road to try to land the best possible players for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He is already much more involved with the recruiting process than Knowles was at any point, which is a welcome change for the Buckeyes.
Of course, the results on the field will matter the most. Once Texas comes in town for the opener, that's when we will really find out if Patricia was the right man for the job. If he can bring in some five-star recruits, the Buckeyes will have found the perfect replacement for Knowles.