Ohio State is fresh off a national championship win in 2025, but with some changes in their coaching staff, they have some key moves to make to keep the momentum going. One of the most pressing tasks is filling the defensive coordinator position, left vacant after Jim Knowles took a job at Penn State.
A name that has surfaced as a serious candidate is former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia. Patricia, who spent several successful years as the New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator, even winning Super Bowls, has had a much more tumultuous time since leaving the Patriots.
His stint as head coach of the Lions was marked by struggles, with his final season in 2020 considered by some to be even worse than the infamous 0-16 season of 2008. Patricia took over a team with high expectations and failed to deliver, ultimately crumbling from within. The Lions were in disarray by the time Patricia was fired midway through that year.
After his time with the Lions, Patricia moved to the Philadelphia Eagles, taking on defensive play-calling duties in 2023. Unfortunately, things didn’t improve for him there, as the Eagles were embarrassed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs, leading to Patricia’s departure from the team.
For Ohio State, the idea of adding Matt Patricia to their coaching staff could be seen as a strategic move, but it also promises to stir up some strong feelings, especially among Michigan Wolverines fans. Despite their national championship win, the Buckeyes have not beaten the Wolverines since 2019. Bringing in someone with Patricia’s history could certainly keep that streak alive for Michigan fans to celebrate.
With this development, the Buckeyes are looking to make some bold moves to stay on top, and the addition of Matt Patricia could play a significant role in shaping the team’s future defense.
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Lions WR Forced to Withdraw from Pro Bowl After Injury
There will be no blue hair at the Pro Bowl this year after all.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has withdrawn from the event this weekend due to injury, and will be replaced by Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, as announced by the Giants.
This means that the talented Detroit receiver, who posted 115 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards to earn his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, will not be attending the annual event in Orlando.
St. Brown becomes the second Lions player to back out of the Pro Bowl. Earlier this week, offensive lineman Penei Sewell also withdrew, with fellow lineman Taylor Decker stepping in as his replacement.
However, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Frank Ragnow, Brian Branch, and Jack Fox are still set to participate, along with Decker.
The Pro Bowl games are scheduled to take place from Thursday through Sunday, featuring a skills competition and a flag football game.
