Latest development shows the Ohio State Buckeyes may soon have a Matt Patricia problem on their hands at the wrong time
The Buckeyes just lost Brian Hartline and losing both coordinators a second year in a row would be tough.
After losing both coordinators following their College Football Playoff title last season, the Buckeyes have now already lost OC Brian Hartline ahead of this year’s Big Ten Championship. While Hartline will remain with Ohio State through the end of the season, he is set to become the next head coach at USF.
Hartline has done a great job with the offense this season, but that unit hasn’t even been the most impressive side of the ball in Columbus. Ohio State’s defense is undeniably the best unit in college football, and the transition from Jim Knowles to Matt Patricia has proven to be a massive win for the Buckeyes.
Penn State reportedly contacted Matt Patricia about their head coaching job
Penn State was the first major program to fire its head coach this cycle, and months later, the Nittany Lions still haven’t landed a permanent replacement. According to Alex Gleitman of Lettermen Row, Patricia and his representation have been contacted regarding the opening in Happy Valley.
Patricia is in his first season back in the college ranks and has made an immediate impact. The leap that Arvell Reese has taken under his guidance is as impressive as it gets, and the Buckeyes have also done an excellent job reloading their entire defensive line from last season. Patricia’s defense is allowing just 204 yards per game and 7.8 points per game, both of which rank first in the FBS.
It had been since 2003 that Patricia had coached in college, when he was a graduate assistant at Syracuse. From there, he went on to win three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots as a defensive assistant and later as defensive coordinator. Although his NFL head coaching stint with the Detroit Lions didn’t pan out — he went 13-29 — he has done an impressive job reshaping his reputation during his time with the Buckeyes.
There have been no reports that Patricia has interviewed with Penn State, but it’s notable that the Nittany Lions have shown interest in Ohio State’s defensive coordinator. Ryan Day has dealt with replacing both coordinators before, and it’s part of running a top-tier program. The Buckeyes have plenty to focus on with the Big Ten Championship against Indiana just days away.
Ohio State Buckeyes News
Jeremiah Smith gives instant reaction to Brian Hartline leaving Ohio State for his first head coaching job
Ohio State is losing their offensive coordinator Brian Hartline as he’s set to head south.
