Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Brings Rallying Cry to Buckeyes

Matt Patricia wants to erase the bad taste of last season's Cotton Bowl loss with a new mindset focused on people and growth.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is returning to Columbus with a renewed focus on winning and building strong relationships with his players. He's adopted a "You Win With People" mantra inspired by former Ohio State coach Woody Hayes, emphasizing the importance of leaving past baggage behind and embracing a growth mindset to get the most out of his team.

Why it matters

After a failed stint as head coach of the Detroit Lions, Patricia is looking to rediscover his passion for coaching and mentoring players. His approach of prioritizing personal connections and continuous improvement could help the Buckeyes defense bounce back from their Cotton Bowl disappointment and return to the top of the Big Ten.

The details

Patricia wants his players to remember that he's in it for the long haul, not just a transactional relationship. He still keeps in touch with players he coached in the 1990s, providing career advice and guidance even after football. Patricia also emphasizes a "growth mindset" over a "fixed mindset", constantly striving to learn and improve rather than dwelling on past failures.

  • Patricia was hired as Ohio State's defensive coordinator in January 2026.
  • The Buckeyes lost to the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl last month.

The players

Matt Patricia

The new defensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes, looking to instill a new mindset and approach after a failed stint as head coach of the Detroit Lions.

Woody Hayes

The legendary former Ohio State head coach whose "You Win With People" philosophy has inspired Patricia's rallying cry for the Buckeyes.

Caleb Downs

An Ohio State safety who Patricia sees as a prime example of the professionalism and preparation he wants to cultivate in all his players.

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What they’re saying

“You Win With People.”

— Woody Hayes, Former Ohio State Head Coach (The Silver Bulletin)

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

— Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (The Silver Bulletin)

“I really have a lot of joy in this and love being around the guys and the relationships. 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.”

— Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (The Silver Bulletin)

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

— Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (The Silver Bulletin)

“I'm gonna give you everything I got. I'm really gonna sacrifice everything I can to make sure I come through for you.”

— Matt Patricia, Ohio State Defensive Coordinator (The Silver Bulletin)

What’s next

The Buckeyes will look to put Patricia's new mindset and approach into practice when they open the 2026 season in August.

The takeaway

Patricia's emphasis on building strong relationships, embracing a growth mindset, and leaving past failures behind could be the key to revitalizing the Ohio State defense and helping the team bounce back from their Cotton Bowl disappointment.