Almost a month after Matt Patricia was hired as Ohio State's defensive coordinator, he got his first chance to speak with the Buckeyes' media on Friday.
Patricia and the Buckeyes' other nine assistant coaches fielded interviews after a Ryan Day press conference, giving us our first opportunity to get to know Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator. Some of Ohio State's best defenses in recent years have come when things are simplified schematically, and while Patricia is known for being multiple defensively, he expressed a desire to keep things simple for the players so they can play fast.
One of the most interesting topics of conversation was at safety, where Patricia is ecstatic to be working with junior Caleb Downs and figuring out exactly what to do with the nickel position. He and defensive line coach Larry Johnson will be helping C.J. Hicks embrace a new role at defensive end, where Johnson confirmed he's moved from linebacker this offseason.
New offensive line coach Tyler Bowen showcased some of the reasons why he's been a successful recruiter with a personable first interview in Columbus, and he's excited to attack Ohio State's run game schemes.
Eleven Warriors' Andy Anders and Dan Hope break down those topics, the start of the quarterback competition, the spring showcase format and more takeaways from the Ohio State coaches’ pre-spring media availability on a new episode of Press Coverage, which you can watch at the top of the page.
