Good news: Matt Patricia to Ohio State highlights top college football coaching hires…… 

The college football offseason often brings a whirlwind of change, and the 2025 coaching carousel is no exception. Among the most significant moves is the hiring of Matt Patricia, former New England Patriots defensive coordinator, as Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator. This marks a bold step for the Buckeyes as they look to continue their dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage. Patricia’s arrival at Ohio State, along with several other high-profile coaching moves, has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting year in college football. Let’s take a closer look at the latest coaching hires and what they mean for the future of the sport.

Matt Patricia to Ohio State

Ohio State’s decision to bring in Matt Patricia as their defensive coordinator has made waves in the college football world. Patricia, who most recently served as a senior defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles, is best known for his time with the New England Patriots, where he was the defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017. During that period, the Patriots won three Super Bowls, and Patricia’s defensive schemes were integral to the team’s success. His NFL experience, especially with a franchise known for its defensive prowess, adds a new dimension to Ohio State’s coaching staff.

The move comes after a few years of defensive inconsistency at Ohio State, a program traditionally known for its strong defense. In recent seasons, the Buckeyes have struggled at times to maintain their defensive dominance, particularly in high-profile matchups. Patricia’s extensive experience in crafting game plans for elite offenses, combined with his deep understanding of the college game, makes him an exciting addition to a team already loaded with talent. His ability to adapt his defensive schemes to the personnel at his disposal will be critical in Ohio State’s quest to return to the top of college football.

Patricia’s hire also signifies a shift in Ohio State’s approach to developing its defensive identity. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes are expected to have a more disciplined, aggressive, and flexible defense, capable of stifling the high-powered offenses that dominate modern college football. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Patricia’s NFL experience translates into success in the college ranks.

Other Top College Football Coaching Hires

While Patricia’s move to Ohio State has been one of the most buzzed-about stories, several other coaching changes have captured the attention of college football fans and experts. These hires are poised to reshape the future of their respective programs and impact the broader landscape of college football.

1. Bill Belichick to North Carolina

In a surprising and unexpected turn of events, Bill Belichick has joined the University of North Carolina as an advisor to the football program. Although Belichick, one of the most successful and innovative coaches in NFL history, will not be the head coach, his influence on the program will be immeasurable. With six Super Bowl titles to his name, Belichick is widely regarded as one of the greatest minds in the history of football.

Belichick’s decision to move into the college game is seen as a way for him to apply his extensive knowledge of football at a different level. North Carolina, which has shown flashes of promise in recent years, now has a unique opportunity to tap into the vast reservoir of Belichick’s expertise. The potential benefits for the Tar Heels are enormous, as Belichick’s strategic insights could elevate both the coaching staff and the players.

While the move is unconventional, the potential for success is clear. With Belichick in a key advisory role, North Carolina has the chance to reestablish itself as a competitive force in the ACC, and perhaps even on a national scale. His focus on discipline, fundamentals, and situational football could be just the spark the program needs.

2. Rich Rodriguez Returns to West Virginia

Another notable coaching change comes with Rich Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia as the team’s head coach. Rodriguez, who previously led the Mountaineers to considerable success, including a Fiesta Bowl victory and a national championship appearance, is back in Morgantown after stints at Michigan and Arizona. His return to the place where he enjoyed his greatest success in college football has been met with enthusiasm from West Virginia fans.

Rodriguez’s unique spread offense, which emphasizes fast-paced, high-scoring football, was a key component of his success at West Virginia, and it is expected to be a central feature of his second tenure. With a proven track record and an understanding of what makes West Virginia football unique, Rodriguez is well-positioned to restore the Mountaineers to prominence. His familiarity with the culture, his system, and the challenges of competing in the Big 12 should make for a seamless transition back to a place where he is beloved.

3. Philip Montgomery to Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech, another team hoping to find stability in the coaching ranks, has hired Philip Montgomery as its new offensive coordinator. Montgomery, who previously served as the head coach at Tulsa, is known for his innovative offensive schemes that have led to high-scoring teams at every stop along the way. At Virginia Tech, Montgomery’s offensive philosophy will be put to the test as he aims to revive a Hokies offense that has struggled in recent years.

Montgomery’s expertise in running an up-tempo, pass-heavy offense is expected to provide a much-needed spark to a Virginia Tech program that has historically been known for its defense. By incorporating more modern offensive concepts, Montgomery hopes to create a more balanced and explosive team that can compete with the best in the ACC. This hire signals Virginia Tech’s commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of college football, and Montgomery’s success could be a game-changer for the program.

The Implications of These Moves

The coaching changes of 2025 reflect broader trends in college football, with programs across the country looking to revamp their strategies and personnel in order to remain competitive. The hires of established coaches with NFL experience, such as Matt Patricia and Bill Belichick, highlight the increasing crossover between the professional and college levels of football. This trend signals a shift towards a more analytical, NFL-style approach in college football, as teams look to adopt the best practices from the highest levels of the sport.

Furthermore, the emphasis on offense, as seen with hires like Philip Montgomery at Virginia Tech and Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia, underscores the growing importance of high-scoring, fast-paced systems in the college game. As offenses continue to evolve, defensive coordinators like Patricia will be tasked with finding innovative ways to stop them.

Ultimately, the 2025 college football coaching hires are a testament to the ever-changing nature of the sport. As programs make bold moves to bring in top-tier coaching talent, it will be fascinating to see how these hires impact the performance of their teams on the field.

Conclusion

The appointment of Matt Patricia as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator is just one of many exciting coaching changes in college football this offseason. Alongside Patricia, other notable hires like Bill Belichick’s advisory role at North Carolina, Rich Rodriguez’s return to West Virginia, and Philip Montgomery’s arrival at Virginia Tech are helping to shape the future of the sport. With these experienced coaches now in place, expect college football to see a higher level of competition, innovation, and strategic gameplay in the years to come. Whether on offense, defense, or special teams, the ripple effects of these hires will be felt across the college football landscape as teams adjust to the evolving game.