Patricia’s Lions tenure was marked by a rough run, compiling a 13-29-1 record from 2018 to 2020, a .314 winning percentage, and a midseason departure in 2020 alongside general manager Bob Quinn.
Since leaving Detroit, Patricia has helped Ohio State’s defense flourish. After a 12-2 season, he re-signed to stay on as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator, and OSU led college football in scoring and total defense in the 2025-26 season.
The extension places Patricia among the sport’s top-paid assistants, underscoring the value OSU places on his defensive leadership. He earns more than double Ohio State’s offensive coordinator, highlighting a notable pay gap within the program’s on-field staff.
Patricia has explained that his decision to stay in Columbus was driven by family considerations and the enduring legacy of Ohio State—the history, the program, and the people. He noted the move has felt like home for his family as they’ve settled into the area.
It’s a curious twist that Patricia, once a polarizing figure in Detroit, has thrived at a major rival of the University of Michigan. While fans in Detroit may still recall the earlier chapter, he now appears to be building a durable, successful tenure in college football.
