Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots
Julian Edelman Reacts to Matt Patricia’s New Role at Ohio State
Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman wasted no time celebrating Matt Patricia’s latest coaching move. Upon hearing that Patricia had been named the new defensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Edelman took to Instagram to share his excitement.
“Huge get for the program. Congrats Matty P,” Edelman wrote on his Instagram story, showing support for his former coach.
A Fresh Start for Patricia
Patricia officially accepted the position on February 12, replacing Jim Knowles, who departed to take over as Penn State’s defensive coordinator. This marks a new chapter for Patricia, who has spent much of his coaching career in the NFL, most notably as the defensive coordinator for the Patriots and later as head coach of the Detroit Lions.
For Edelman, the connection with Patricia runs deep. The two were on opposite sides of the ball for years in New England, with Edelman trying to dissect Patricia’s defensive schemes during practice. Having seen Patricia’s coaching style up close, Edelman understands exactly what the Buckeyes are getting—a defensive mind with championship pedigree.
A Perfect Fit for the Buckeyes?
Ohio State is coming off a national championship season and will have a target on its back heading into the next campaign. Patricia’s arrival provides an experienced defensive coach who has won at the highest level. His time in New England included three Super Bowl victories, and his deep understanding of defensive schemes could be invaluable as the Buckeyes look to defend their title.
This move also presents a great opportunity for Patricia. After a tumultuous stint as Detroit’s head coach and a brief return to the Patriots in a less defined role, he now has a chance to reestablish himself as a top-tier defensive coach. Leading a program like Ohio State gives him a stage to showcase his coaching chops in a new environment, potentially setting him up for another run in the NFL down the road.
What’s Next?
As Ohio State prepares for the upcoming season, Patricia will be tasked with maintaining the high standard set by his predecessor. The Buckeyes already have a strong defensive foundation, and Patricia’s job will be to refine and enhance it.
For Edelman and other former Patriots, seeing a familiar face take on a high-profile college football role is exciting. If Patricia can bring his NFL experience to Columbus effectively, the Buckeyes could have yet another dominant season on the horizon.
