Buckeye fans rejoice! Ohio State has reached a new deal to keep defensive coordinator Matt Patricia in Columbus.
Patricia came to OSU with mixed reviews. He was a huge part of the New England Patriots dynasty from 2004-2017, serving as the Pats’ defensive coordinator for his final six seasons in Foxborough. But the shine quickly faded after a failed three-year stint with the Detroit Lions. Patricia would bounce around the league for the next five years before landing with Ohio State after Jim Knowles bolted for Penn State.
It was quite a shock to see Knowles leave after helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship. With plenty of talent returning, it was devastating to think that a defensive unit that boasted Caleb Downs and Sonny Styles would have to start from scratch. Afterall, it took Knowles three years to get his defense to a championship level. How long might it take for Patricia, who was not highly sought after at the time and hadn’t coached college kids since 2003?
Turns out, it didn’t take long at all. You could see the pure joy in Patricia’s face as he got back to coaching ball and away from all the CEO stuff that comes with the NFL. It was clear that his players had mutual respect and admiration for him as well. But with success at Ohio State comes opportunities. Rumors swirled as NFL teams hit the chopping block at the end of the season. Who might be coming for the defensive coordinator who found his love for the game once again?
While there is no doubt conversations were had with NFL owners and coaches, ultimately Patricia decided to stay in Columbus. OSU athletic director Ross Bjork said Patrica was “always committed to staying” with the Buckeyes.
“He was always committed to staying here,” Bjork said. “I know his family loves it. His kids have fit in well. … We just kept a constant dialogue before we got to an agreement with him.”
BREAKING: Ohio State has reached an agreement with defensive coordinator Matt Patricia on a new contract according to Ross Bjork. pic.twitter.com/e2KC2aEtbN
— The Scarlet and Gray Podcast (@TheSG_Podcast) February 23, 2026
While the details of the contract have not been released, Patricia is expected to be one of the highest paid coordiators in the nation, if not the highest. His original contract was a three-year deal worth 2.5 million per year. It is anticipated that he’ll be well into the $3 million per year range after an outstanding first season in Scarlet and Gray.
There will be a great deal of Ohio State talent heading to the league from the defensive side of the ball, but the Buckeyes have a full cupboard to fill those holes. And if last season is any indication, the Silver Bullets will be just fine under Patricia’s leadership.
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia agree on new deal
