ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Former New England Patriots defensive coordinator and current Ohio State defensive assistant Matt Patricia has reportedly been identified as a key architect of the Buckeyes‘ defensive game plan against Youngstown State, further fueling the rivalry with Michigan fans.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day praised the defensive plan following the 34-7 victory, stating, “I thoght the plan coming in was excellent, they kept fighting.” Patricia spent the 2024 season out of coaching, working alongside Bill Belichick in football media, before joining the Ohio State staff. his prior NFL experience includes a stint as a defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, where he became the play-caller late in the season.
The hiring of Patricia by Ohio State is notably galling to Michigan fans given his previous association with the Patriots, a team long disliked by the Wolverines’ fanbase. patricia won six Super Bowls with New England, including two as defensive coordinator. His presence on the Buckeyes’ staff adds another layer of animosity to a rivalry already steeped in tradition and intensity. Michigan currently holds a four-game win streak over Ohio State,with the next contest scheduled for Nov. 29 in Ann Arbor. The Buckeyes’ defensive improvements under Patricia will be closely scrutinized as the rivalry game approaches.
