National champion Ohio State made the appointments of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and offensive coordinator Brian Hartline official on Thursday.
Coach Ryan Day announced them as replacements for Jim Knowles, who Penn State made the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the nation, and for OC Chip Kelly.
Kelly is now filling that role on the staff of new head coach Pete Carroll with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Patricia, 50, won three Super Bowls on the staff of the New England Patriots, where he spent 16 seasons. He also was the head coach of the Detroit Lions (2018-20).
“I have been aware of and followed Matt’s successful NFL career for the past 15 years, or when he first started calling plays for those outstanding New England teams,” Day said in announcing the hire. “I have also gotten to know him and, aside from his creative and outstanding abilities as a defensive coach, I think Matt is going to integrate into our program’s culture and values, which are the essence of who we are, very well.”
Hartline, 38, a former Ohio State and NFL wide receiver, was promoted to offensive coordinator but will continue in his role coaching wide receivers. Under his watch, the Buckeyes have had four first-round NFL draft picks in the past three years – Chris Olave (2022), Garrett Wilson (2022), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2023) and Marvin Harrison Jr. (2024).
“Brian did some of his best coaching this past season,” Day said. “His loyalty and patience are going to pay off, and I think he’s going to be the best coordinator in the country.”
Ohio State also announced the hiring of Tyler Bowen, 35, as offensive line coach and run-game coordinator. He most recently served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Virginia Tech.
In other staff moves, Tim Walton, 53, was promoted to co-defensive coordinator, secondary and cornerbacks coach and Keenan Bailey to co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach.
–Field Level Media
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