While the Detroit Lions had a frustrating season in 2025-26 with a 9-8 record and no trip to the playoffs, even the wild card round, it could have been worse. How so? Well, many in the Lions’ camp remember the years under head coach Matt Patricia, from 2018 to 2020, where the team compiled a 13-29-1 record over two-plus seasons. The Lions let him walk on November 28, 2020, after a 4-7 start to the 2020 season.
Today, Patricia is with Ohio State and far away from the NFL. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day hired him as defensive coordinator in February 2025 after Patricia spent 19 years in the NFL.
“Patricia’s first season with the Buckeyes was a success, and the numbers prove it. Ohio State finished No. 1 nationally in total defense at 219.1 yards allowed per game, No. 1 in passing defense at 129.7 yards allowed per game and No. 1 in scoring defense at 9.3 points allowed per game,” Patricia’s bio states on the official Ohio State website. “The last team to allow fewer points and yards per game in a season than the 2025 Buckeyes was the 2011 Alabama Crimson Tide.”
They add that, “For his efforts, Patricia was a finalist for the Broyles Award, which annually honors the top assistant coach in college football.”
So, things are going well for Patricia in the college football world. But, there been talk that he might make his way back to the NFL.
Ex-Detroit Lions Coach Matt Patricia to the NFL?
It’s the season for NFL teams to be looking for new coaches and coordinators. Since Patricia has a 19-year history in the NFL, it makes sense that some teams would be interested in him for their defensive coordinator position.
According to a report from NFL insider Albert Breer, Patricia is a name of interest to NFL teams who are searching for defensive coordinators.
“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 sort of indication, right now, that he’s closing in on one of the DC jobs,” he said on 97.1 The Fan.
One follower took to X to comment that it was “good for him” but not good for Ohio State if he leaves. “I really thought he was a great fit and it seemed to rejuvenate his spirit in coaching. And he did a super job,” they added.
So, would Patricia really consider leaving Ohio State when thing are going so well? Probably not, because his early record in college football is already better than where he left in the NFL. But, don’t be surprised if you do see his name pop up in defensive coordinator interviews.
More Coaching Moves for the Detroit Lions
Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are making more coaching moves. On Monday, January 26, reporter Tom Pelissero dropped the news that the Detroit Lions are hiring former New York Giants interim coach Mike Kafka for a 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 stated 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.”
Ex-Lions Coach Matt Patricia Could Make NFL Return