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See the full story · 1 sourcesOhio State football defensive coordinator Matt Patricia had a peculiar way of introducing himself to his players upon joining the Buckeyes.
On a July 22 episode of " Downs 2 Business ," former Ohio State safety Caleb Downs described what his first interactions with Patricia were like, including an interesting task he asked each player to complete.
"First day, he got in the meeting, he was like, 'Hey guys, we're going to hand out these sheets of paper. I want you to write down the best five players on this defense and the worst five players on this defense."
Downs continued: "He's like, 'If you say yourself, and a coach doesn't say you, you're lying.' "
"Worst five is crazy," said Downs' brother, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.
Former NFL MVP and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, a guest on the podcast episode who worked with Patricia with the New England Patriots, understood why Patricia had the Buckeyes complete the exercise.
"Matt Patricia comes from the cloth of accountability," Newton said. "... When you're seeing how or why they win, that's the reason. ... You don't have no ability to backtalk what's wrong. Man, pipe down, you wrong, bro!"
Before joining Ohio State, Patricia had two separate stints with the New England Patriots, winning one Super Bowl as an assistant offensive line coach and two as the defensive coordinator. Patricia coached Newton during the 2020 NFL season as a senior advisor.
Patricia joined Ohio State ahead of the 2025 season. The Buckeyes had the top defense in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision under Patricia's watch, allowing 9.29 points per game.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State DC Matt Patricia had Buckeyes rank teammates on defense
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