Buckeyes HC Ryan Day makes something clear about new DC Matt Patricia ahead of 2025 NCAAF season

The last title won earlier this year by the Ohio State Buckeyes in the National Championship is now behind them, and the focus is on the upcoming NCAAF season. Ryan Day‘s staff found the ideal replacement in Matt Patricia for the departure of Jim Knowles, who became the new DC at Penn State.

As they eagerly await the first spring practices, the Buckeyes‘ head coach expressed excitement about the work they can achieve together with the former New England Patriots coach as they look ahead to what’s to come.

“A lot of energy,” Day said to the press. “Building relationships right now, just getting started. But I think the feedback from our players has been good. I think they really enjoy the conversation, the extra time that they get the chance to spend some one on one time with Matt. His experience and credibility speak for itself.

“I think they know that but now they’re getting a chance to meet him. I think it’s been great. Gotten some great feedback from the recruits as well, had a chance to meet with them. We’re just starting to dive into some of the different things we can do on defense,” he finally concluded.

Head coach Ryan Day of the Ohio State Buckeyes walks across the field during the NCAA Football Championship celebration at Ohio Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.

Although Patricia spent most of his coaching career in the NFL, the former HC of the Detroit Lions had prior experience in the FBS, serving for three years at Syracuse as a graduate assistant.

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Ohio State WR Carnell Tate makes something clear about his future ahead of the 2025 NCAAF season

The controversy surrounding Spring Games

One of the hottest debates in College Football in recent weeks has been the situation surrounding Spring Games, as programs like Nebraska and Texas, among others, decided not to hold them.

In a recent press conference, Ryan Day made it clear that the Buckeyes’ intention is to hold these types of events, which, according to the head coach, serve as preparation for what’s to come.

“I think it’s good for everyone to know,” Day said. “My plan is to have a spring game. I just think we need to save a little bit of wiggle room in case we take injuries. That’s it. We want to do this. We want to play a spring game. Now, there may be some guys that are held from the spring game, but not many. We feel like, I think, we’re 159 days away from playing Texas, and that day will matter to a lot of young players. So, well, we need to get out there and compete. The format of it and how it works will probably be similar to what we’ve done in the past.”