The balance of continuity and ambition is being tested inside the Ohio State Buckeyes program, where head coach Ryan Day is working aggressively to preserve stability on his coaching staff.
After already losing his offensive coordinator to the USF Bulls, Day has made it a priority to ensure that defensive coordinator Matt Patricia remains in Columbus, even as NFL interest continues to hover.
For Day, Patricia represents far more than a schematic hire.
The 51-year-old defensive coordinator is viewed internally as a cornerstone of Ohio State‘s present and future, bringing with him more than a dozen years of experience with the New England Patriots.
That NFL pedigree, however, is precisely what fueled speculation that Patricia could soon be lured back to the professional ranks.
Despite the rumors, tangible signs suggest otherwise. Patricia has not announced any intention to leave Ohio State, and his recent decision to accompany Day on recruiting trips has been widely interpreted as a signal of commitment.
In the modern recruiting landscape, relationships matter as much as facilities or championships, and prospects consistently cite direct engagement with coordinators as a major factor in their decisions.
Patricia‘s presence on the trail sends a clear message that he sees himself as part of the program’s long-term vision.
NFL interest cools for now
That message is especially important given recent history. Last season, Day lost a key defensive mind to James Franklin and Penn State, a departure that reshaped their defensive structure.
Facing a similar possibility one year later, Day has taken a proactive approach to retaining Patricia.
NFL interest has not disappeared entirely. Earlier this offseason, insider Albert Breer reported that Patricia had emerged as a potential candidate for the Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator position.
That speculation intensified concerns around the program, particularly given Patricia‘s extensive professional résumé.
However, circumstances across the league have shifted. According to Breer, a potential landing spot evaporated after a key head-coaching hire altered the landscape.
“If Matt Nagy had gotten the Tennessee job, I think he may have made a run at trying to get Patricia,” Breer said.
“Now, obviously, that’s off the table because Robert Salah got the job. Robert runs a completely different system than that. So, that’s not in play the way it was.
“I don’t think you guys would be surprised to hear that Patricia‘s on a couple of these guys’ lists. But doesn’t mean he’s going anywhere; I haven’t gotten any sort of indication right now that he’s closing in on one of the DC jobs.”
Important recruiting work to do
That assessment provides cautious optimism for the Buckeyes. While Patricia remains respected across NFL circles, there is currently no clear path pulling him away from the college game.
From Day‘s perspective, keeping Patricia in place accomplishes multiple objectives. It stabilizes a defense that is still evolving, reinforces trust with recruits, and preserves institutional knowledge drawn from years at the highest professional level.
Patricia‘s familiarity with Northeast recruiting territories, shaped during his time with the New England Patriots, has already become a valuable asset for Ohio State.
The decision rests with Patricia, but as long as he continues to walk recruiting campuses alongside Ryan Day, the message is difficult to misread.
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