Ryan Day already issues a strong statement about controversial new Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Ian Valentino | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 5:48 PM ET

When the Ohio State Buckeyes announced the hiring of Matt Patricia as the replacement defensive coordinator for Jim Knowles, there were immediate reactions that raised flags for fans. Patricia burned out with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, but Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day sought out a new approach for the defensive leader. So far, he's loving what Patricia brings to the table.

Here's what Day told the Bobby Carpenter Show when asked about his early impressions of Patricia's tenure.

"When we hired him, I was fired up, and I'm more fired up now. I see him talk to the guys, talk to recruits, building relationships. They're taking ownership of this defense. When they go out there, there's a cetain level of comfort in that huddle when they're communicating."

Ryan Day is fired up about what Matt Patricia brings to Ohio State’s defense:

"I think one of the best things he's done over his career is put guys in a position to be successful." pic.twitter.com/mkcRh8ra7C
— Bobby Carpenter Show (@BobbyCarpShow) July 18, 2025

Day continued, "They're moving fast. Now, we gotta get out on the field and do it. Matt has brought a lot of great experience to the table...I think one of the best things he's done over his career is put guys in a position to be successful."

Safeties coach Matt Guerrieri was complimentary of Patricia throughout his press conference this past week. Guerrieri said he's enjoyed learning from Patricia in their brief time together on Ohio State's staff.

"Getting to know Matt Patricia has been phenomenal," he said.

Bryce West, a sophomore cornerback, added that Patricia's impact is much more encompassing than what happens on the field.

"The relationship with Coach P is amazing. He’s a great dude. He’s always around the team. He’s around us when we’re lifting," West said. "It’s not always about football (with him). He talks to us about life. He’s always there to help us."

Senior defensive back Lorenzo Styles Jr. said Patricia's presence has been a new experience. He said it's been "refreshing to have a coach who spends a lot of time with his players and really cares about them."

Of course, it's easy to read some of these comments as little jabs at Knowles. Knowles did an excellent job crafting a National Championship-winning defense, but his personality and unwillingness to help in recruiting were relative weaknesses of his short tenure in Columbus.

Lorenzo Styles Jr. on Matt Patricia “refreshing to have a coach who spends a lot of time with his players and really cares about them”. Common refrain the last few weeks. pic.twitter.com/8yl4gy8meP
— Juck (@JuckOnBucks) April 1, 2025