In a move that took many by surprise, Ohio State is reportedly finalizing the hire of Matt Patricia, the former head coach of the Detroit Lions, to serve as the new defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes.
This decision has quickly sparked reactions, with many Michigan fans taking to social media to express their amusement or, in some cases, outright mockery. Ohio State’s move has also left others puzzled about how this will unfold for the Buckeyes.
Matt Patricia’s tenure with the Detroit Lions was far from successful. He struggled during his three years as head coach, facing criticism for alienating players and disappointing much of the fanbase. The hire has already garnered attention across social media, with many questioning how his past failures with the Lions might impact his future with Ohio State.
J.D. PicKell, from On3, provided some of the most notable reactions to this hiring. Fans are still processing how Patricia’s history will mesh with the aspirations of the Buckeyes’ defense.
Of all the boxes I would have wanted checked as Ohio State's next DC. This essentially checks none of them. https://t.co/Ap4iUKFSLx
— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) February 12, 2025
My problem with Ohio State snagging Matt Patricia as their DC isn't that it's a "bad" hire. It's that I question if it makes the key 10% difference to repeat as national champshttps://t.co/druysVdaya pic.twitter.com/L7kiTxzzOu
— J.D. PicKell (@jdpickell) February 12, 2025
The Michigan Insider’s Sam Webb
This is a TERRIFIC move by Ryan Day! Home run hire! I love this move for the Buckeyes! https://t.co/BGeTWx4hwY
— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) February 12, 2025
Michigan alum Scott Bell
Wow. Remember this guy? He SUCKED. Glad he's not leading a team and/or defense that I care about. https://t.co/nSwB0SK0VT
— Scott Bell (@sbell021) February 10, 2025
Detroit Free Press’ Tony Garcia
Whether we like it or not around these parts, Ohio State has been a beacon of consistency and excellence in the sport for two decades.
To hire this man, who is by all accounts untalented, arrogant and has proven to be a poor coach time and again, is truly astounding. Oh well! https://t.co/Y2QbhaRDHn
— Tony Garcia | Detroit Free Press (@RealTonyGarcia) February 12, 2025
Swanky Wolverine
college football hearing this news https://t.co/qxIGEDk3yW pic.twitter.com/G6RphmESbI
— Swanky Wolverine (@swankywolverine) February 12, 2025
The Wolverine On3’s Anthony Broome
Love this move. Redemption tour starts now! https://t.co/lk8ufhwF2G
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) February 12, 2025
The Wolverines On3’s Chris Balas
Uh … wow. https://t.co/NgWS6wVcGP
— Chris Balas (@Balas_Wolverine) February 12, 2025
MGoBlog photographer Patrick Barron
Ryan Day looked up “coaches who ruined the state of Michigan” and took the top result https://t.co/d0BZcQ4uhk
— Patrick Barron 🌹〽️🐻 (@BlueBarronPhoto) February 12, 2025
BluePrintJay
https://t.co/Zpj22CQyP3 pic.twitter.com/7BAJOlPqNN
— BluePrintJay (@BluePrintJay) February 12, 2025
Ryan Day trying to pull a Michigan move by getting a NFL DC. But this ain’t that 😭
— BluePrintJay (@BluePrintJay) February 12, 2025
Fox 2 Detroit’s Kellie Rowe
The notion that Matt Patricia is a great defensive coach is such a media creation. His defenses in New England, Detroit and Philly ranked 15th, 21st, 11th, 12th, 32nd, 28th, 24th and 30th. He had a horrible culture in Detroit, and numerous negative stories came out in Philly.
— Kyle Rowland (@KyleRowland) February 12, 2025
Spartan Tailgate’s Justin Thind (Philadelphia Eagles fan/native)
Kinda feel bad for the Ohio State fans that are in the Matt Patricia acceptance stage of “he can’t be that bad, people are being dramatic.”
Yes, he is indeed that bad. In fact, he will be worse than you could ever imagine. I’m sorry.
(And before you try to cope by saying the… pic.twitter.com/rGbJSMA9Zg
— Justin Thind (@JustinThind) February 12, 2025
SpartansRivals’ Brendan Moore
I don’t really get the Matt Patricia hire by Ohio State.
– Bad head coach with the Lions
– Eagles were worse defensively with him on the staff
– Hardly any college experienceHe was only successful under Bill Belichick.
— Brendan Moore (@bmoorecfb) February 12, 2025
