Former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia could be on track for an NFL return after a highly successful season in college football.
The Lions endured a frustrating 2025-26 season, finishing 9-8 and missing the playoffs. Still, many fans remember that things were much worse during Patricia’s tenure from 2018 to 2020, when Detroit went 13-29-1 over two-plus seasons. The Lions fired Patricia on November 28, 2020, following a 4-7 start in the 2020 season.
Matt Patricia Thriving at Ohio State
Patricia is currently the defensive coordinator at Ohio State, a job he took in February 2025 after spending 19 years in the NFL.
His first season with the Buckeyes was outstanding. According to Ohio State’s official team bio:
No. 1 in total defense: 219.1 yards allowed per game
No. 1 in passing defense: 129.7 yards allowed per game
No. 1 in scoring defense: 9.3 points allowed per game
The Buckeyes’ defensive performance was historic, as the last team to allow fewer yards and points in a season was the 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Because of his success, Patricia was also named a finalist for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation’s top assistant coach.
NFL Teams Showing Interest in Patricia
Despite his strong start at Ohio State, there is growing buzz about a potential Matt Patricia NFL comeback.
With many teams searching for new defensive coordinators, Patricia’s long NFL résumé has drawn attention. NFL insider Albert Breer reported that Patricia is being considered by multiple teams.
“I don’t think you guys would be surprised to hear that Patricia is on a couple of these lists… I haven’t gotten any indication that he’s close to landing one of the DC jobs,” Breer said on 97.1 The Fan.
Fans reacted positively to the news. One user on X wrote that it would be “good for him” but tough for Ohio State if he leaves, adding that Patricia seemed rejuvenated in his coaching role and did an excellent job.
While Patricia may not be in a hurry to leave a program where he’s thriving, his name is expected to surface in defensive coordinator interviews during the NFL hiring cycle.
Detroit Lions Make More Coaching Moves
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions coaching staff continues to evolve.
On Monday, January 26, NFL reporter Tom Pelissero reported that the Lions are hiring former New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka for a key role on their offensive staff.
“Former Giants interim coach Mike Kafka is joining the Lions in a high-ranking offensive staff role, per sources,” Pelissero posted on X. “Kafka, 38, has been a finalist for multiple head coaching jobs in recent years. Now, an opportunity to learn from one of the best with Dan Campbell in Detroit.”
Kafka’s addition gives Detroit another experienced offensive mind as the franchise prepares for the upcoming NFL season.
