Matt Patricia is an American football coach currently working as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State. He spent a significant portion of his career with the New England Patriots, serving in various coaching roles for 15 seasons. Notably, he was their defensive coordinator for six years (2012-2017), a period during which the Patriots secured two Super Bowl victories and boasted the league's best defense in 2016. Patricia also briefly held the role of Patriots' offensive playcaller in 2022. Beyond New England, Patricia took on head coaching responsibilities for the Detroit Lions (2018-2020). He also worked with the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior defensive assistant in 2023, eventually calling defensive plays towards the season's end.
September 13, 1974: Birth of Matt Patricia
Matt Patricia was born on September 13, 1974.
1992: Patricia Starts Playing at RPI
Matt Patricia began his college football career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1992.
1995: Patricia Finishes Playing at RPI
Matt Patricia finished his college football career as a four-year letterman at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1995.
March 15, 1996: Sexual Assault Arrest and Indictment
On March 15, 1996, Matt Patricia and Greg Dietrich were arrested and indicted for aggravated sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman in a Texas hotel room.
1996: Patricia Begins Coaching Career
Matt Patricia started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at RPI in 1996.
January 1997: Dismissal of Sexual Assault Case
In January 1997, the sexual assault case against Matt Patricia was dismissed after the victim decided not to proceed with the trial.
1999: Patricia Coaches at Amherst College
Matt Patricia became the defensive line coach at Amherst College in 1999.
2000: End of Patricia's Time at Amherst College
Matt Patricia concluded his time as defensive line coach at Amherst College in 2000.
2000: Last Lions Win Over Patriots Before 2018
The Detroit Lions' victory over the Patriots in 2000 marked their last win against the team until Matt Patricia led them to victory in 2018.
2001: Patricia Joins Syracuse University
Matt Patricia took on the role of offensive graduate assistant at Syracuse University in 2001.
2004: Patricia Joins New England Patriots
Matt Patricia started his career with the New England Patriots as an offensive coaching assistant in 2004.
2005: Patricia Becomes Assistant Offensive Line Coach
Matt Patricia became the assistant offensive line coach for the Patriots in 2005.
2006: Patricia Becomes Linebackers Coach
Matt Patricia took on the role of linebackers coach for the Patriots in 2006.
2009: Patricia Begins Calling Defensive Plays
Matt Patricia began calling defensive plays for the Patriots in 2009.
2009: Marriage to Raina
Matt Patricia married his wife, Raina, in 2009. They have three children together.
2009: Last Lions Shutout Before 2020
The Lions' 20-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers in 2020 was their first shutout defeat since 2009.
2011: Patricia Becomes Safeties Coach
Matt Patricia became the safeties coach for the New England Patriots in 2011.
2012: Matt Patricia becomes Patriots Defensive Coordinator
In 2012, Matt Patricia was promoted to the defensive coordinator position for the New England Patriots.
2012: Officially Named Defensive Coordinator
Though he had been calling plays since 2009, Patricia officially received the title of defensive coordinator in 2012.
2014: Patriots Win Super Bowl XLIX
The New England Patriots, with Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator, won Super Bowl XLIX in 2014.
January 2016: Patricia Interviewed by Cleveland Browns
In January 2016, Matt Patricia interviewed for the head coaching position with the Cleveland Browns.
2016: Patriots Defense Leads the League
The New England Patriots defense, coordinated by Matt Patricia, allowed the fewest points in the league during the 2016 season.
2017: End of First Stint as Patriots Defensive Coordinator
In 2017, Matt Patricia finished his initial six-year run as the Patriots' defensive coordinator.
2017: Jim Caldwell's Last Season with Lions
The 2017 season was Jim Caldwell's last as head coach of the Detroit Lions, before Matt Patricia took over.
January 1, 2018: Patricia Targeted for Head Coaching Positions
On January 1, 2018, Matt Patricia emerged as a candidate for head coaching vacancies with the Detroit Lions and New York Giants.
February 5, 2018: Patricia Officially Named Lions Head Coach
Matt Patricia's appointment as head coach of the Detroit Lions was formalized on February 5, 2018.
May 2018: Detroit Lions Hire and Public Scrutiny
In May 2018, the Detroit Lions hired Matt Patricia as head coach. The decision was met with public scrutiny after his previous indictment for sexual assault resurfaced. Despite the controversy, the Lions reaffirmed their decision to hire him.
September 23, 2018: Patricia's First Win as Head Coach
Matt Patricia secured his first win as an NFL head coach on September 23, 2018, against his former team, the New England Patriots.
2018: Matt Patricia Becomes Head Coach of the Detroit Lions
Matt Patricia began his tenure as the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2018.
2018: Patricia's Controversial Start in Detroit
Matt Patricia's early tenure in Detroit during 2018 was marked by controversies, including clashes with players and media.
2018: Lions Finish 6-10
The Detroit Lions, under Matt Patricia, finished with a 6-10 record in the 2018 season.
2019: Lions Finish 3-12-1
The Detroit Lions finished the 2019 season with a disappointing 3-12-1 record under Matt Patricia.
November 28, 2020: Patricia and Quinn Fired by Lions
On November 28, 2020, both Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn were dismissed by the Detroit Lions.
2020: Patricia Given Another Chance
Despite the team's struggles, Matt Patricia was given one more season by Lions ownership to turn things around in 2020.
2020: End of Patricia's Time with the Detroit Lions
Matt Patricia's time as head coach of the Detroit Lions concluded in 2020.
January 22, 2021: Patricia Returns to Patriots
Matt Patricia rejoined the New England Patriots' coaching staff on January 22, 2021.
July 21, 2022: Patricia's Roles with Patriots
The New England Patriots appointed Matt Patricia as senior football advisor and offensive line coach on July 21, 2022.
2022: Patricia Becomes Patriots Offensive Playcaller
Matt Patricia took on the role of offensive playcaller for the New England Patriots in 2022.
April 20, 2023: Patricia Joins Philadelphia Eagles
Matt Patricia was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior defensive assistant on April 20, 2023.
2023: Patricia Joins Philadelphia Eagles
Matt Patricia served as a senior defensive assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
September 5, 2024: Appearance on Coach with Bill Belichick
On September 5, 2024, Matt Patricia was featured on the first episode of the football podcast "Coach with Bill Belichick".