Ohio State Makes Coach 'Highest Paid' Defensive Coordinator
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Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is cashing in after coaching a stellar unit in 2025.
The former head coach of the Detroit Lions had the No. 1 defense in the country last season. He helped OSU reach the Big Ten championship, but Indiana's 13 points was too much for a struggling Buckeyes offense that only put up 10 points.
Ohio State's defense did their part in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Cotton Bowl. But offensive issues led to Miami sending the Buckeyes home early in a 24-14 contest.
Per On3, Ohio State is rewarding Patricia after the 2025 campaign, making him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football at over $3.75 million per season.
"This has resulted in a three-year contract extension for the former Detroit Lions head coach, which makes him the highest-paid defensive coordinator in all of college football," wrote Daniel Hager of On3.
"Patricia will be paid $3.75 million in year one, and $3.85 million in the last two years of the three-year deal. His second season in Columbus will mark the first time he’s spent more than one season in one spot since his three-year stint with the Detroit Lions."
Last year, Ohio State was led by its defense. In 2026, the offense is expected to be better with quarterback Julian Sayin, running back Bo Jackson and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith returning for another season.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day argued that giving Patricia a contract extension would help modernize the program.
"College football is evolving fast, and today's staffing update is another step in modernizing our program to set the standard in the sport and provide our players with premier support in every aspect of their experience in our program," Day said, via OSU.
"Extending Coach Matt Patricia and five of our position coaches, and adding leaders like Robby (Discher, special teams coordinator) and Anthony (Schlegel, strength and conditioning staff), gives us the structure, innovation and accountability we need to keep competing for championships in 2026 and beyond."
Ohio State will also have a new offensive coordinator in 2026 after Day hired former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
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