Ohio State makes massive huge misstep at DC after Penn State poached Jim Knowles
After finally capturing a National Championship, Ryan Day faced a challenging offseason in Columbus, working to keep Ohio State in title contention for 2025. The Buckeyes lost offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to the NFL and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Penn State, forcing Day to overhaul his coaching staff.
Offensively, Day opted for a coordinator-by-committee approach, promoting wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator while adding Tyler Bowen as run-game coordinator and tight ends coach Keenan Bailey as co-OC. These moves rewarded key position coaches with promotions and raises, but with Day’s expertise on offense, the bigger question mark lies on the defensive side.
Knowles’ departure—partly due to Day’s reported interference—led Ohio State to make a surprising hire: former New England Patriots assistant and ex-Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia. While Patricia was once a rising name in coaching, his post-New England track record has been shaky. Since his unsuccessful stint as Detroit’s head coach (13-29-1 record), he has bounced between roles, most recently serving as a senior defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
The decision to replace Knowles, who led the nation’s No. 1 defense last season, with Patricia raises concerns. Patricia has struggled outside of Bill Belichick’s system, and his last run with the Patriots—including a stint as offensive coordinator—was widely criticized. This hire is a significant downgrade, giving Penn State fans and Big Ten rivals reason to celebrate.
Ohio State’s talent level ensures it will remain competitive, but the 2024 season was defined by elite coaching that helped push the Buckeyes over the top. This offseason, Day may have undone one of the program’s biggest strengths.
Penn State, which hasn’t beaten Ohio State since 2016, could have its best shot at ending that streak in 2025. The Nittany Lions retained much of their core roster and made a major upgrade at defensive coordinator, while the Buckeyes took a clear step back. If James Franklin is ever going to break through, this could be the year.