Ryan Day has never been one to shy away from a joke when the mood allows, and his lighthearted comments about Matt Patricia’s arrival in Columbus perfectly reflected the balance he’s trying to maintain at Ohio State. The Buckeyes are in the midst of a season filled with lofty expectations, and any adjustment, hire, or advisory role naturally sparks interest. When asked about Patricia’s presence on staff in a unique, loosely defined role, Day quipped, “That was his decision,” downplaying the intrigue in a humorous way while also acknowledging Patricia’s unique status. The truth is that Patricia brings a wealth of experience to the program, having spent years in the NFL as a head coach and defensive coordinator. His addition to the Buckeyes’ football brain trust has raised eyebrows, but Day has consistently emphasized that the move is about leveraging knowledge and perspective rather than imposing sweeping changes.
Patricia, who has worked under the legendary Bill Belichick with the New England Patriots and even had a stint as the head coach of the Detroit Lions, enters Columbus with a resume few on the college scene can match. His reputation as a defensive strategist precedes him, and though he’s had his ups and downs at the professional level, there is no denying his understanding of the game. For Ohio State, a team that is already allowing just 10.5 points per game in 2025, Patricia represents a potential edge in refining schemes and situational football. His involvement is not about overhauling what defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has built, but rather about offering insight, adjustments, and perhaps even some of the tactical wrinkles that can tilt close games in the Buckeyes’ favor. Day’s comment that Patricia has “special liberties” underlines that the former NFL coach isn’t bound by a traditional role, and that flexibility is part of what makes his presence so interesting.
The Buckeyes’ defense has already been a cornerstone of their success this season, smothering opponents with physicality, discipline, and depth across the board. For years, Ohio State’s offense has been the headline, but in 2025, it’s the defense that’s setting the tone and giving the program confidence heading into the stretch run toward a potential national championship. Bringing Patricia into the mix adds a voice that can provide NFL-level adjustments, break down tendencies of opposing quarterbacks, and lend perspective on pressure packages, coverage disguises, and overall game planning. Day, of course, wanted to avoid giving the impression that Patricia is a dominant voice in the room. That’s why he leaned on humor to describe the situation. But beneath the joke lies a recognition that having someone like Patricia around is a luxury few programs can afford.
There’s also the matter of perception. College football is a fiercely competitive ecosystem, and when a name like Matt Patricia attaches itself to a blueblood program, the headlines practically write themselves. Some will question whether his NFL track record, which includes mixed results as a head coach, translates well to the college game. Others will argue that defensive football is defensive football, and any coach who has schemed against some of the best quarterbacks in NFL history has plenty to offer against college offenses. The truth likely lies in between, and Ohio State is willing to bet that the positives outweigh any potential drawbacks. Patricia isn’t the head of the defense, he isn’t calling plays, and he isn’t rewriting the playbook. His role is more akin to a consultant, someone who can walk into a meeting room and say, “Here’s what I see, here’s where you might exploit an opponent, and here’s how I’d handle this situation.”
For the players, the experience of learning from Patricia is another layer of development that could prepare them for the NFL. Ohio State prides itself on being not just a college football powerhouse, but also one of the premier pipelines to the professional ranks. Having someone with Patricia’s background on campus sends a message to recruits and current players alike: this program will give you every tool possible to succeed at the next level. Imagine being a defensive back or linebacker sitting in a film session where a former NFL defensive coordinator is breaking down your technique. The credibility and knowledge Patricia brings to the table is difficult to replicate, and it can only raise the level of competition within the team.
Day’s joke about Patricia making his own call also hints at the unique nature of this partnership. Unlike a traditional hire where roles and titles are clearly defined, Patricia’s advisory position seems intentionally vague. That vagueness provides freedom, both for Patricia and the Buckeyes’ staff. He can dip in and out of different aspects of preparation, focus on areas where he sees potential improvement, and avoid the rigid grind of a full-time assistant coach. For Day, who has shown an ability to think outside the box in building his staff, this flexibility is an advantage. It allows the program to absorb Patricia’s insights without creating friction or stepping on the toes of existing coaches.
The timing of this addition is also critical. Ohio State is not just competing for Big Ten supremacy; it is pushing for a national championship. Every detail matters when you’re facing the likes of Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, and other powerhouses. A single blown coverage, a misread blitz, or a poorly timed substitution can be the difference between advancing to the playoff or watching from home. Patricia’s role, undefined as it may be, is to help eliminate those mistakes and sharpen the edges of a defense that already looks elite. If Ohio State can marry its explosive offensive potential with a defense that has NFL-level preparation and discipline, then the Buckeyes may very well find themselves lifting the trophy at season’s end.
It’s worth remembering that this is not the first time Ohio State has leaned on NFL minds. The program has long been a destination for coaches with professional experience, and Day himself has an NFL background as a quarterbacks coach. The blending of pro-level schematics with the energy and creativity of the college game has been one of Ohio State’s strengths in recent years, and Patricia fits neatly into that tradition. His presence adds another layer of sophistication, and Day’s willingness to embrace that speaks to his adaptability as a head coach.
The bigger picture here is the evolution of how college programs view staffing. It’s no longer just about filling out the traditional roles of head coach, coordinators, and position coaches. Programs like Ohio State are increasingly creating analyst positions, advisory roles, and support staff that rival NFL organizations. The margins are so slim at the top of the sport that every edge is worth pursuing. Patricia’s role is another example of that arms race. Even if his direct impact is hard to measure, the symbolic value of having him in the building is significant. It reinforces the notion that Ohio State will do whatever it takes to position itself for success.
For Day, humor was the right way to handle the initial round of questions. By brushing it off as Patricia’s call, he deflected attention and avoided putting his defensive staff under unnecessary scrutiny. But as the season progresses, it will become clear how Patricia’s fingerprints appear on the team’s performance. Whether it’s in the form of smarter adjustments against high-powered offenses or subtle improvements in situational football, his presence will be felt. Ohio State fans, always eager to analyze every aspect of the program, will no doubt keep an eye on whether the defense takes another step forward with Patricia around.
At the end of the day, Patricia’s role is one of those low-risk, high-reward moves. If it works, Ohio State gains an edge that could help deliver a national title. If it doesn’t, the program is still in a strong position, and the defensive foundation built by Knowles and his staff remains intact. Day’s approach—acknowledging the intrigue but downplaying the significance—strikes the right balance. He knows the headlines will come, he knows the fans will speculate, but he also knows that what matters most is performance on the field. And right now, with the Buckeyes boasting one of the stingiest defenses in the nation, performance on the field is speaking loudly.
The joke about Patricia’s decision may have drawn a laugh, but beneath it lies a serious commitment to giving Ohio State every advantage possible. Day understands that championships are built on details, and details are where Patricia thrives. For a program already humming along at an elite level, the addition of an experienced NFL mind could be the extra push needed to turn potential into reality. Ohio State’s pursuit of a national title is as fierce as ever, and if Patricia’s presence helps sharpen their edge, then the Buckeyes may look back on this season not just for their victories, but also for the quiet influence of a coach who came to Columbus with little fanfare but a lot to offer.
