Matt Patricia is coaching from a different space at Ohio State, embracing a relational philosophy and embodying Woody Hayes’ mantra: You Win With People.

Matt Patricia has coached on some of football’s biggest stages, but inside Ohio State’s football facility, the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator sounds far more invested in people than pedigree. I spoke to the Buckeye defensive coordinator about his time so far in Columbus and how he’s evolved as a coach over the years.

His reflections revealed a coach who understands that leadership begins with relationships before it ever reaches a whiteboard. Or in Patricia’s case, a yellow pencil. 

When Patricia spoke about veteran players such as Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Davison Igbinosun, he framed them as stabilizing pillars for the team. The extended layoff between games was a situation he admitted was unfamiliar compared to his NFL background. Patricia leaned on players who had lived through similar stretches before, pointing to experience and professionalism as the most valuable currency.

“I think just in general with Caleb [Downs], just the amount of experience he has playing football is probably the most important thing,” Patricia said. “And his professionalism, and how he prepares, is probably the best example that I can point to for all the players.”

Patricia acknowledged the adjustment required on his end, rather than positioning himself as the sole voice in the room. Admitting that the prolonged break was “out of my wheelhouse,” which led him to rely on players who had navigated those situations before. That approach, he explained, is where experience becomes an advantage not only for players but for coaches as well.

As Patricia evolved his coaching philosophy entering college, he believes that leadership is most effective through actions, not just words. His consistent focus is on pointing younger players toward veteran examples, emphasizing the value of composure in high-pressure environments.

“Caleb is as steady as they go,” Patricia said. “And Sonny is, too. When you have leadership like that, it’s great as a coach. You try to tell them, but it’s always great for them to see it, and you can just be like, ‘Hey, no, just point to that. That’s the example. Follow their lead.’” 

Ohio State was fortunate to have a veteran-led defense in 2025, led by Downs, Styles, Igbinosun, and more. Thanks to their examples on and off the field, the younger Silver Bullets who will start in 2026 have a clear picture of the standard. LB coach James Laurinaitis expects Peyton Pierce to step in and fill one of the leadership roles next season.

That emphasis on modeling behavior mirrors Patricia’s broader philosophy on coaching, which centers on relationships and mentorship that extend well beyond football. He spoke openly to me about the joy he finds in staying connected with players long after their playing days are over, noting that relationships built decades ago remain an integral part of his life today.

“I really have a lot of joy in this and love being around the guys and the relationships,” Patricia said. “I’ve got guys that I coached in the 90s, and I’m still really close with, and guys that don’t call, they just be like, ‘Hey, I need your advice on this,’ or after football, career advice and things like that. So I love being that mentor.”

Since arriving in Columbus, Patricia has felt that same relational warmth reflected toward him. He described the Ohio State community as welcoming and supportive while expressing deep appreciation for Buckeye Nation. He does not take that reception lightly and views it as both a responsibility and a privilege.

At the same time, Patricia opened up on the more difficult chapters of his career. When discussing his time in Detroit, he spoke candidly about the lessons learned, acknowledging personal shortcomings that forced him to grow both as a coach and as a person.

“I wasn’t my best version,” Patricia said. “I think learning that is really important. That’s how you get better as a coach, as a person.”

One of the most significant lessons from that period involved understanding the correlation between intensity and environment. Coming off a Super Bowl loss, Patricia carried a heightened urgency into a new organization that was not operating in the same emotional space, a dynamic he now recognizes required greater awareness.

“When you go into a new building, man, you better leave all that baggage behind,” Patricia said. “You [had] better leave that behind because they don’t deserve it or they’re not there in that same space.”

That reflection ultimately led Patricia back to what he describes as his “why,” a grounding sense of purpose that he believes can easily get lost amid competition and pressure. Since joining Ohio State, he has focused on reconnecting with that foundation, while continuing to learn, crediting head coach Ryan Day as a key influence in that process. Day preaches the importance of a strong foundation, and Patricia is a testament to the fact that it’s not just for the players. 

“I just try to take it one step at a time,” Patricia said. “I always want to have that growth mindset. I always want to be a curious learner.”

Patricia embraced the passion surrounding Ohio State football, despite the criticism that followed his hiring, viewing it as an expression of pride. He believes college football’s tradition-driven loyalty creates a unique responsibility for those within the program, especially at a place like Ohio State. 

“I love the fact that Buckeye Nation loves this team so much,” Patricia said. “When I feel that from the fans, I just want to help. I want the fans to feel that.”

As he prepares for year two in his role in Columbus, Patricia spoke more about presence and commitment, expressing a desire to honor the generations of Ohio State football. All signs are positive with Patricia remaining in Columbus as the Buckeyes begin another chase of their tenth title. 

“I’m gonna give you everything I got,” Patricia said. “I’m really gonna sacrifice everything I can to make sure I come through for you.”

Matt Patricia now leads from a place cultivated by self-awareness and relational investment. His renewed commitment to purpose and coaching from his why has yielded outstanding results. Patricia’s players speak as highly of him as any coach in the country, as he earned their respect from his first day in the facility. As Woody Hayes once said, “You win with people.” For Matt Patricia and Ohio State, that remains truer today than ever before as relationships carry the day in Columbus.