Matt Patricia’s record salary at Ohio State exceeds several Power Four head coaches
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Matt Patricia’s record salary at Ohio State exceeds several Power Four head coaches originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is being rewarded handsomely after a dominant first season in Columbus. And his new contract will pay him more than several Power Four head coaches in 2026
The Buckeyes announced a three-year extension for Patricia that makes him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football. Under the new deal, Patricia will earn $3.75 million in the first year and $3.85 million in each of the final two years, according to Ohio State reporter Bill Landis.
Patricia’s pay now surpasses the salaries of multiple head coaches across the Power Four conferences. According to USA TODAY Sports salary data, several coaches were making less annually than Ohio State’s defensive coordinator before recent contract adjustments.
Among them were SMU coach Rhett Lashlee, who previously earned $2.4 million before signing a new extension, and former UCLA coach DeShaun Foster, who made $3.1 million before being dismissed midseason. Arizona coach Brett Brennan was listed at $3.4 million, while West Virginia’s Rich Rodriguez earned $3.6 million. Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield made $3.7 million, and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea previously earned $3.71 million before negotiating a larger deal.
Ohio State’s investment comes after an outstanding season from Patricia’s defense. The Buckeyes finished the regular season 12-0 and led the nation in both scoring defense and total defense, allowing just 9.3 points and 219.1 yards per game. The unit allowed 20 points only once in 14 games, which was a 24-14 loss to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl.
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OSU's dominance is also expected to translate to the NFL draft. Three Buckeyes defenders — Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs — are projected top-10 picks.
Patricia had embraced the fresh start in Columbus after his NFL coaching tenure. Will he stay and hope for a Power Four position or make another NFL jump? That's the biggest question and might be answered sooner rather than later.
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