Matt Patricia to Ohio State football: Fans reactions mixed about new defensive coordinator

Posted by author February 12, 2025 Football

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After it was confirmed that Matt Patricia is joining Ohio State’s staff as defensive coordinator, Buckeye fans were quick to take to social media to share their opinions on the hiring.

With more than 25 years of coaching experience, Patricia has built a rocky reputation that’s left some of the Ohio State fan base less than excited for his addition.

Patricia’s most notable position was in the NFL when he was the Detroit Lions head coach from 2018-2020. In three season, Patricia had a 13-29-1 record before being fired.

Prior to the Lions job, Patricia found success with the New England Patriots from 2004-2017, when he climbed from assistant offensive line coach to defensive coordinator under Bill Belichick. Patricia coached on three Super Bowl-winning staffs.

In 2022, Patricia returned to New England for one year to serve as senior football advisor and offensive line coach.

Patricia was most recently with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, but left the organization when his contract expired at the end of that season.

Some backlash from fans has stemmed from a sexual assault charge against Patricia in 1996 that surfaced in 2018. Patricia, along with former college teammate from Greg Dietrich, were indicted on the charge, but the case never went to trial. Patricia has maintained his innocence.

The hiring comes after the Buckeyes former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles took the same role at Penn State.

Here’s a look how fans are reacting to Matt Patricia’s hire: