Ohio State Announces Football Coaching Staff Moves

Ohio State has finally announced the additions of defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and offensive line coach Tyler Bowen, as well as promotions for five current assistants.

Patricia has spent the bulk of his career in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls as the defensive coordinator in his tenure with the New England Patriots.

“I have been aware of and followed Matt’s successful NFL career for the past 15 years, or when he first started calling plays for those outstanding New England teams,” Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said in a release. “I have also gotten to know him and, aside from his creative and outstanding abilities as a defensive coach, I think Matt is going to integrate into our program’s culture and values, which are the essence of who we are, very well.

“I’d like to welcome him and his wife, Raina, and their children to Columbus and Ohio State University.”

Tyler Bowen comes to Ohio State from Virginia Tech where he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He has previously coached tight ends and offensive line in prior stops.

“I am really pleased to announce the addition of Tyler Bowen, and his family, to our coaching staff,” Day said. “He’s a terrific coach who will bring experience to the staff along with an excellent record as a recruiter.”

Along with the new hires, OSU receivers coach Brian Hartline was named offensive coordinator, which will include play-calling duties this season.

“Brian did some of his best coaching this past season,” Day said. “His loyalty and patience are going to pay off, and I think he’s going to be the best coordinator in the country.”

Billy Fessler was named quarterbacks coach after spending last season as a quality control coach for the position. He came to Ohio State from UCLA where he had just been hired to be Chip Kelly’s quarterbacks coach. In 2023, he was the QB coach and offensive coordinator at Akron. He was previously on the OSU staff in 2020-2021.

Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey was named co-offensive coordinator after a stellar season putting together a very deep tight end room. He will still remain with his position room. Cornerbacks coach Tim Walton was named co-defensive coordinator, and safeties coach Matt Guerrieri was named passing game coordinator for the defense. Both Walton and Guerrieri have coordinator experience in the past as well.