Ohio State’s first-year defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was named a finalist for the Broyles Award on Tuesday. The award is given annually to the top assistant coach in the country.
Patricia joined the Buckeyes over the offseason after the departure of former DC Jim Knowles, who left to go to Penn State. The hire was met with skepticism, but Patricia has proven the doubters wrong in a big way, leading one of the best units in the country.
Ohio State’s defense is still first in the country in scoring defense despite losing to Indiana in the Big Ten championship, giving up just 8.2 points per game. It is also first in total defense, giving up 213.5 yards per game.
He led the unit to four first-team All-Big Ten selections, with defensive lineman Kayden McDonald, linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, and safety Caleb Downs earning the honor. Defensive end Caden Curry and cornerback Davison Igbinosun were named to the second team while cornerback Jermaine Mathews Jr. was third team.
The winner of the Broyles Award will be announced on Feb. 12, with voters deciding between Patricia, Indiana defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, Miami (Fla.) defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman and Texas Tech defensive coordinator Shiel Wood.
