The Opening Drive 2/25: When The Joy Of Coaching Returns

Freedom, Fit, and the Right Environment to Be Yourself.

Feb 25, 2026

As most of you have heard by now, Matt Patricia has signed his extension to return to the Buckeyes for the 2026 season — and hopefully beyond. The 2025 defense was special, and the expectation is that Year 2 in the same system brings even more clarity, continuity, and production.

If you caught the latest pod, you heard me speak on my respect for Coach Patricia. Here’s a coach from the Belichick tree — someone who reached the pinnacle, failed publicly as a head coach, and has now rediscovered the joy of coaching again in Columbus.

As a football coach, I can’t tell you how powerful that is to witness.

Because this profession can be heartless. At any level.

It pulls you away from your family. It creates unnecessary tension if you let it. It can consume you. And if you’re not careful, it can take your “why” from you.

It did that to me.

I started coaching in 2010 and climbed quickly — defensive coordinator at a respected program, then returning to my alma mater in the same role. The goal was simple: whatever it takes to be in charge. We went from 0–10 to the brink of a playoff berth in four years. It was a grind. It was rewarding. It was consuming.

In 2018, I became the head coach. A dream realized.

By 2020, I had completely fallen out of love with the game.

My “why” was gone. The joy was gone. I had dug myself into a hole deep enough that I needed therapy to climb out of it. That’s not something coaches talk about enough — but it’s real.

It took leaving my dream job. It took stepping back. It took finding the right environment — one that allowed me to be myself again. It took doing something that many didn’t expect me to do.

And slowly, the joy returned.

Now entering Year 17 of my coaching career, I can confidently say I’m the best version of myself — not because of titles, but because of perspective. Relationships matter. That’s what translates. That’s what lasts.

And that’s what you’re seeing with Coach Patricia.

Watch the interactions. Watch the sideline. Watch the media availability. He’s loose. He’s confident. He’s teaching. He’s enjoying it.

He’s having fun again.

And when a coach rediscovers his “why,” everybody benefits — the players, the fans, and most importantly, his family.

That’s not just good for Ohio State.

That’s good for football.

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COACH SLATE’S TOP 5 ALL TIME

Jeremy gave his list, so here is mine (and it includes a new #1):

1. Caleb Downs

A true difference-maker. Caleb Downs impacts the game at every level of the defense — in the box, in coverage, in communication. His instincts, physicality, and leadership elevate the entire unit. He’s the kind of player coordinators build around and offenses account for on every snap.

2. Braxton Miller

Electric. Braxton was the heartbeat of the program during a pivotal era. His ability to extend plays, create explosive moments, and carry the offense made him one of the most dynamic athletes to ever wear Scarlet and Gray. You felt it every time he touched the ball.

3. JT Barrett

The ultimate program quarterback. Tough, durable, and unshakeable. JT wasn’t about flash — he was about command and production. A three-time captain and record-setter, he defined accountability and leadership in the locker room.

4. Malcolm Jenkins

A championship cornerstone. Jenkins brought versatility, confidence, and big-game poise to the secondary. A Thorpe Award winner and national champion, he played with swagger and technical precision. When the moment was big, he answered.

5. Donnie Nickey

A coach’s player. Donnie Nickey embodied toughness and reliability in the secondary. Not always the headline name, but the type of player every defense needs — physical, prepared, and trusted. His value showed up in consistency, communication, and doing the dirty work.

Buckeye Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.

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