Matt Patricia, the new defensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has received strong backing from a former player despite some criticism surrounding the hire. On Wednesday, Ohio State officially announced Patricia, former head coach of the Detroit Lions and defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, as their new defensive leader under head coach Ryan Day.
Patricia was once considered one of the NFL’s rising defensive minds, which earned him a head coaching role with the Lions. However, his time as head coach in Detroit didn’t go as planned, and his reputation has taken a hit since then. Despite the mixed opinions about Ohio State’s decision to hire him, former NFL linebacker Bobby Carpenter has stepped up to defend his former coach, offering a positive assessment.
For those Buckeye fans who don’t like the hire… for whatever reason
Played for Matty P in New England… he’s a smart and measured as you’ll find. Great communicator and incredibly creative
It didn’t work in Detroit as a HC… happens to a lot of coordinators… but he’s not… https://t.co/UVij0nq5Ga
— Bobby Carpenter (@Bcarp3) February 12, 2025
Carpenter, who played for Patricia during his time in New England, expressed strong confidence in Patricia’s abilities, urging Buckeye fans to trust the hire. “For those Buckeye fans who don’t like the hire… I played for Matty P in New England. He’s as smart and measured as you’ll find. Great communicator and incredibly creative. It didn’t work in Detroit as a HC… happens to a lot of coordinators…but he’s not hired as the HC so don’t worry about that,” Carpenter wrote.
This endorsement from a respected former player should reassure Ohio State fans. Carpenter’s high praise for Patricia is a positive sign for his potential success with the Buckeyes.
Replacing Jim Knowles as defensive coordinator is no easy task, and Patricia will face significant pressure. However, his experience, particularly his time working with elite defenses in New England, should help him handle the high expectations at Ohio State.
If Ryan Day didn’t believe Patricia was the right fit for the job, he wouldn’t have made the hire. That alone should give fans confidence in the decision. It will be interesting to see how Patricia handles the talented defensive roster the Buckeyes have assembled, and if he can prove the critics wrong in his first season.
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