Who Is Matt Patricia? A Quick Bio
Born on September 13, 1974, in Sherrill, New York, Patricia played college football at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) as a center and guard. After graduating, he began coaching as a graduate assistant — launching what would become a storied career in football coaching.
He is famed for his analytical mind — earning respect as a cerebral football strategist often credited with defensive innovation under head coach Bill Belichick.
New England Patriots — The Rise to Defensive Powerhouse
Early Days With the Patriots
Patricia first joined the New England Patriots in 2004 as an assistant coach. Over the next decade, he served in various defensive roles, eventually becoming the Defensive Coordinator in 2012.
During Patricia’s time as defensive coordinator (2012–2017):
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The Patriots won multiple Super Bowls (including Super Bowls LI and XLIX).
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His defense consistently ranked among the NFL’s elite units.
Patricia’s Patriots helped bring home three Super Bowl championships during his tenure.
This period established Patricia as one of the league’s top defensive minds — positioning him for the next step in his career.
Detroit Lions: Head Coach Era (2018–2020)
Historic First Head Coaching Job
In February 2018, the Detroit Lions officially named Matt Patricia as their 27th head coach. The team hoped his experience with New England’s winning culture would translate into success in Detroit.
Challenges and Struggles in Detroit
Instead, Patricia’s tenure was rocky:
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Final record: 13-29-1 over nearly three seasons — a disappointing outcome for the franchise.
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The Lions struggled on both sides of the ball despite high expectations.
Patricia was ultimately fired in 2020 following a series of disappointing results. Although his defensive expertise had been proven in New England, translating that success to a struggling Lions roster proved difficult.
Many Detroit fans and analysts viewed the tenure as a cautionary tale of how NFL coaching transition doesn’t always succeed even with strong NFL credentials.
Return to the NFL — New England and Eagles
After his dismissal in Detroit:
Back to New England (2021–2022)
Patricia returned to the Patriots in various advisory and coaching roles. He served as:
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Senior Football Advisor
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Offensive Line Coach — a surprising shift to offense before the 2022 season.
This return showed that Belichick still valued his football acumen — even if not in his former defensive coordinator role.
Philadelphia Eagles (2023)
In 2023, Patricia joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a Senior Defensive Assistant.
Here, he was moved into the defensive play-calling role late in the season. However, the Eagles’ defense struggled during that span and was ultimately off to an inconsistent year — leading to another transition in Patricia’s coaching career.
Where Is Matt Patricia Now? — 2025 Job and Beyond
As of 2025, Matt Patricia has taken a new path by returning to college football. He accepted a position as the Defensive Coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, one of the top programs in NCAA football.
Why This Move Matters
This answer to “Matt Patricia — where is he now?” reflects a significant career reset:
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For the first time in his post-NFL journey, Patricia is coaching at the collegiate level at a major program.
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Ohio State hired him to replace longtime defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who left for Penn State.
What Ohio State Expects
Patricia’s experience communicating complex defensive strategies and leadership — even if mixed at the NFL level — positions him to potentially revitalize Ohio State’s defensive approach.
For Patricia, this is more than a job: it’s a chance to rebuild credibility as a defensive voice and mentor to young athletes.
Matt Patricia’s Legacy — Successes and Debates
Patricia’s career divides opinion:
Undeniable Strengths
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Elite Defensive Architect: His Patriots defenses were among the best in the league.
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Championship Pedigree: Three Super Bowl rings cement his status among coaching elites.
Professional Criticisms
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Inconsistency as Head Coach: Detroit struggles overshadowed much of his head-coaching evaluation.
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Questionable NFL Defensive Impact After 2017: His later coaching stops didn’t replicate previous success.
College Opportunity — Redemption Arc?
The Ohio State role could rewrite Patricia’s narrative — turning the spotlight to mentoring, scheme innovation, and team leadership at the collegiate level.
Matt Patricia Career Timeline
1996 — Graduate Assistant, RPI
1999–2000 — Defensive Line Coach, Amherst
2001–2003 — Graduate Assistant, Syracuse
2004–2017 — New England Patriots (multiple coaching roles)
2018–2020 — Detroit Lions Head Coach
2021–2022 — Patriots Senior Football Advisor/OL Coach
2023 — Philadelphia Eagles Senior Defensive Assistant
2025–Present — Ohio State Defensive Coordinator
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Matt Patricia coaching now?
As of 2025, Matt Patricia serves as the Defensive Coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, entering the collegiate ranks after NFL coaching roles.
2. Was Matt Patricia successful with the Detroit Lions?
No. Patricia’s head-coaching stint with the Detroit Lions from 2018 to 2020 resulted in a 13–29–1 record and eventual dismissal.
3. What accomplishments did Patricia have with the New England Patriots?
Patricia was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams, serving as defensive coordinator and earlier coaching roles helping the Patriots maintain elite defense.
4. Did he coach anywhere after Detroit?
Yes. After Detroit, Patricia returned briefly to the Patriots in advisory and coaching roles, then joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior defensive assistant in 2023.
5. What is his coaching style known for?
Patricia is known for a defense-first, analytical approach with emphasis on disciplined schemes, preparation, and adapting strategies to opponent tendencies.
6. Could Patricia return to the NFL again?
While possible, his current focus is rebuilding his reputation in college football with Ohio State. A successful tenure there could open future NFL opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Matt Patricia’s coaching journey is one of adaptability and evolution — from Patriots glory to NFL challenges and now a collegiate leadership role. His story continues to evolve, making him a compelling figure in football coaching discussion.
