Former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia engaged in media activities this past season with The 33rd Team and alongside his ex-boss Bill Belichick on a podcast. He seized the chance to commend Dan Campbell during his appearance on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” last December.
“Credit Dan Campbell for his ability to get everyone in the building to adhere to his vision, believe in their message, and put in the effort,” Patricia remarked. “We all understand what happens in the NFL — you achieve some success and it builds your confidence a bit.”
It’s reasonable to believe that Patricia would want to return to coaching if possible, and connecting him to a role on Belichick’s new team at the University of North Carolina has been straightforward. However, that might not be possible, so Patricia is exploring other options.
On Tuesday, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports revealed that Patricia was in Columbus on Monday to discuss the defensive coordinator position with Ohio State, while Jim Knowles departed for that role at Penn State. The Silver Bulletin announced that Patricia has finished an interview.
It’s reasonable to believe that Patricia would want to return to coaching if possible, and linking him to a position on Belichick’s new team at the University of North Carolina has been quite simple. However, that might not be possible, so Patricia is exploring other options.
On Tuesday, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports announced that Patricia visited Columbus on Monday to discuss the defensive coordinator position with Ohio State, as Jim Knowles departed for the same role at Penn State. The Silver Bulletin stated that Patricia has finished an interview.
Ex-Lions head coach Matt Patricia might take on the role of defensive coordinator at Ohio State.
Patricia has, of course, dedicated the majority of his coaching career to working alongside Belichick in New England, starting as the assistant offensive line coach (2004-2006) and most notably serving as defensive coordinator (2012-2017) prior to being hired by the Lions. He spent the 2021 and 2022 seasons returning to the Patriots, including oddly taking on the role of offensive play caller in 2022. He served as a senior defensive assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, ultimately assuming responsibility for the defensive play-calling as their season went downhill.
Patricia has not been employed at the college level since serving as a graduate assistant at Syracuse from 2001 to 2003.
It’s difficult to distinguish the failure of Patricia’s time as the head coach in Detroit from his previous role as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator. It’s simple to attribute the success of the Patriots’ defense solely to Belichick. However, they maintained a top-10 scoring defense throughout all six seasons of Patricia’s tenure as the defensive coordinator, featuring a top-10 run defense on four occasions.
Certainly, there is a significant overlap between Lions fans and those of University of Michigan football, and these supporters would be thrilled to see Ohio State bring Patricia on board, improving the Wolverines’ chances of maintaining their winning streak against their primary opponent.