Ohio State’s Innovative Hire: Matt Patricia as Defensive Coordinator
The college football coaching carousel continues to spin, and Ohio State has made waves with its decision to hire Matt Patricia as the new defensive coordinator. ESPN reported that Ryan Day and his program are finalizing the deal, marking Patricia’s return to the college game after more than two decades in the NFL. Patricia is best known for his roles as the Detroit Lions’ head coach and the New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator. His most significant college experience includes a stint as an offensive graduate assistant at Syracuse from 2001 to 2003 and time as a defensive line coach at Amherst from 1999 to 2000. Patricia’s most recent NFL position was with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as a senior defensive assistant and took over as the defensive playcaller for the final weeks of the 2023 season. Despite the Eagles’ mixed results during this period, Ohio State is banking on Patricia’s extensive experience and strategic acumen to bolster their already formidable defense, which ranked top in the nation in 2024 under the leadership of Jim Knowles, who left for Penn State.
Colorado’s Star Running Backs Coach: Marshall Faulk
Coach Prime has added another NFL legend to his growing staff at Colorado with the hiring of Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk as the new running backs coach, as reported by ESPN. Faulk, a 12-year NFL veteran and the 2000 NFL MVP, was the second overall pick in the 1994 draft by the Indianapolis Colts. He spent much of his career with the St. Louis Rams, leading the league in scoring in 2000 and 2001 and helping the team win Super Bowl XXXIV. Faulk’s impressive resume includes seven Pro Bowl selections and six All-Pro honors. His transition to coaching, though new, is expected to bring a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the Colorado running backs. Faulk’s hiring is a testament to the program’s commitment to attracting high-profile talent and leveraging their expertise to elevate the team.
Ohio State’s Internal Promotion: Brian Hartline as Offensive Coordinator
Ohio State is making a strategic internal promotion by naming Brian Hartline as their new offensive coordinator, according to CBS Sports. Hartline, a former wide receiver for the Buckeyes, has been a staple on the coaching staff since 2017, primarily as the wide receivers coach. He also held the offensive coordinator role in 2023 and served as co-offensive coordinator in 2024. The departure of Chip Kelly, who recently left Ohio State to join the Raiders as their offensive coordinator, created an opening that Hartline is well-suited to fill. His familiarity with the program and players, combined with his recent experience in calling plays, positions him to continue the Buckeyes’ offensive success and adapt to any new challenges that arise.
Alabama’s New Offensive Coordinator: Ryan Grubb
The Crimson Tide is shaking up its offensive staff by bringing in Ryan Grubb as their new offensive coordinator, ESPN reported. Grubb’s NFL experience as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator in 2024, along with his previous roles at Washington (2022-23) and Fresno State (2020-21), makes him a strong fit for the program. Under Kalen DeBoer, Grubb played a crucial role in developing high-caliber offenses, and his hiring is seen as a step toward maintaining Alabama’s competitive edge. This move comes after the departure of Chip Kelly, who left for the Raiders, and the firing of co-defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler, signaling Alabama’s commitment to rejuvenating both sides of the ball. Grubb’s extensive experience and track record of success make him a promising addition to the Crimson Tide.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Overhaul: Chris Ash as New Coordinator
Notre Dame has made a significant defensive hire by bringing in Chris Ash as their new defensive coordinator, according to ESPN. Ash, a seasoned NFL and college coach, most recently worked as a scout for the Jaguars and held defensive back coaching positions with the Raiders and Jaguars. His college experience is particularly noteworthy, having served as the head coach of Rutgers from 2016 to 2019. Notre Dame’s decision to hire Ash comes after a season that saw them reach the College Football Playoff National Championship, only to be defeated by Ohio State. Ash’s expertise and experience are expected to enhance Notre Dame’s defensive strategy and performance, aligning with the team’s aspirations to return to the top tier of college football.
The Rise and Falls: Key Coaching Changes and Extensions
Several other notable coaching changes and extensions have shaped the college football landscape this offseason. Virginia Tech welcomed Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach Sam Siefkes as their new defensive coordinator, replacing Chris Marve, who was fired. South Dakota State appointed former player and assistant Dan Jackson as their head coach, a decision inspired by his successful tenure as defensive coordinator at Idaho. Washington State secured Jimmy Rogers, the former head coach at South Dakota State, to lead their program. Meanwhile, North Carolina made headlines by hiring NFL legend Bill Belichick as their new head coach, and West Virginia brought back Rich Rodriguez, who previously led the Mountaineers to great success. These moves reflect the dynamic and competitive nature of college football, where programs are constantly seeking to outmaneuver each other with strategic hiring.
Filling the Ranks: Other Major Coaching Movements
The coaching carousel extends beyond major programs, with smaller schools making strategic hires to elevate their programs. Florida International University (FIU) appointed Willie Simmons, a former head coach at Florida A&M, as their new head coach, aiming to turn around a struggling program. Appalachian State named Dowell Loggains, a longtime NFL and college offensive coordinator, as their new head coach, bringing extensive experience to the table. Fresno State brought in USC assistant head coach Matt Entz, who previously led North Dakota State to FCS championships, to take the helm. UMass introduced Joe Harasymiak, the former head coach at Maine, to lead their team. Additionally, Nebraska finalized Dana Holgorsen’s role as their offensive coordinator, and Oklahoma hired Ben Arbuckle from Washington State. Each of these moves reflects the ongoing effort to build robust coaching staffs capable of competing at the highest levels.
Big Ten and SEC Movements: A Closer Look
The Big Ten and SEC have seen their share of coaching changes, with some programs making bold moves to remain competitive. USC bolstered its defensive staff by hiring Rob Ryan, a longtime NFL defensive coordinator, as their assistant head coach and linebackers coach. Texas Tech secured Zach Kittley, known for his high-powered offenses at Texas Tech, as their new head coach, replacing FAU’s Tom Herman. Clemson poached Tom Allen from Penn State to fill their defensive coordinator position, while Penn State itself filled the void left by Allen with Ohio State’s Jim Knowles. The SEC, notably, remains the only power conference without a change at head coach, demonstrating the stability and success of its current leadership. These movements highlight the strategic and sometimes unexpected decisions that define the college football coaching landscape.
