College football insider says what the Ohio State Buckeyes won’t want to hear about DC Matt Patricia’s future
The Buckeyes are hoping to have Matt Patricia around more than one season.
The Ohio State Buckeyes were faced with a real problem last season after winning the College Football Playoff. The reality was that the Buckeyes had to replace their offensive and defensive coordinators. Chip Kelly’s return to the NFL wasn’t an unexpected move, and the Buckeyes had Brian Hartline ready to take over.
However, Jim Knowles leaving for Penn State was a surprise, and it forced the Buckeyes to ensure they made the right hire. It looks like they did just that — Matt Patricia has proven to be a home-run addition and has quickly become a favorite in Columbus. Now, the question is how long the long-time NFL coach will remain with the Buckeyes.
Pete Thamel thinks Matt Patricia could be a head coaching candidate
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Matt Patricia ends up in one of these searches,” ESPN’s Thamel said recently. “That’s an instinct thing. But, like, he’s been a revelatory coordinator. In that building, they have loved Matt Patricia — loved him, loved him, loved him. His personality, his connection with players. You know, schematically? It’s been historically good. Interpersonally, it’s been unbelievable.”
Patricia walked into a great situation with this Buckeyes defense and has elevated it further. Ohio State has an even better defense than last year — no small feat. The Buckeyes are allowing just 5.9 points per game, the fewest in the country. They’ve recorded two shutouts this season, and no opponent has scored more than Illinois’ 16 points in an 18-point Ohio State win in Week 7.
Bringing in Patricia while retaining highly qualified defensive assistants like Larry Johnson, Matt Guerrieri, and Tim Walton has been huge. Caleb Downs remains a star, but linebacker Arvell Reese may be the best defender on a very talented unit.
This season marks Patricia’s first time back at the college level since serving as a graduate assistant at Syracuse in 2003. The Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator has developed a close-knit relationship with his players — and that connection has been easy to see. If Patricia were to leave after just one season, it would be a tough break for the Buckeyes.
There are already rumors that Hartline could be a candidate for the Penn State job when they’re ready to make a hire, which only adds to the concern. Losing two coordinators for a second straight season would be a major setback. Expecting Ohio State to hit another home run like they seemingly did with Patricia just isn’t realistic.
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