The pencil tucked behind Matt Patricia’s right ear has become his signature accessory, a visual trademark as recognizable as his beard. But this isn’t mere habit or superstition—it’s a window into the meticulous preparation methods now transforming Ohio State’s defensive approach.
“Always with a pencil behind his ear,” Sports Illustrated described in their profile of Patricia during his Patriots tenure. As defensive coordinator, Patricia would communicate constantly with his players, “conveying various concepts to tell his teammates, rambling on about reads and adjustments,” creating a continuous flow of detailed information.
This constant note-taking represents more than just a quirk. It embodies Patricia’s comprehensive approach to defensive preparation, one built on obsessive attention to detail and a commitment to capturing insights that might otherwise be lost. Now, this methodical system is becoming a cornerstone of Ohio State’s defensive culture.
The Evolution of a System
Patricia’s note-taking methodology evolved during his formative years with the New England Patriots, where he learned the importance of documenting observations and insights in real-time. In a 2019 NFL Network interview, Patricia revealed he carries note cards throughout work days and games, constantly jotting down observations and insights.
This practice has continued at Ohio State, where Patricia’s detailed notes serve multiple purposes. During practice, he’s constantly documenting player tendencies, scheme adjustments, and situational observations. These notes then inform position meetings, where Patricia’s comprehensive documentation allows for precise teaching points and targeted development.
“He’s very, very intelligent, really knows defensive football, and the guys who played for him really felt they were getting better because of the way he taught football, fundamentally,” Day said of Patricia’s detailed approach. “Even our guys in the building, in the short time he’s been here, it’s made a lot of sense in how he teaches the game.”
Beyond Memory: Creating a Learning System
Patricia’s note-taking isn’t just about memory enhancement—it’s about creating a systematic learning environment. By documenting observations precisely rather than relying on general impressions, he builds an objective record that facilitates focused development.
This approach has proven particularly valuable during spring practice as Patricia evaluates new defensive personnel. Rather than making subjective assessments about player capabilities, his detailed notes provide concrete evidence of strengths, weaknesses, and development opportunities.
“[Patricia] has done a great job evaluating everybody and seeing what everybody can do and trying to find ways to use everybody,” safety Caleb Downs noted, recognizing how this documentation system informs Patricia’s player utilization.
The impact is especially significant for players transitioning to new positions, like C.J. Hicks moving from linebacker to defensive end. Patricia’s detailed notes on Hicks’ pass-rush techniques, hand placement, and situational effectiveness provide a roadmap for targeted improvement rather than general development.
Creating a Knowledge Repository
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Patricia’s note-taking system is the defensive knowledge repository it creates. His notes don’t just capture momentary observations but build a comprehensive database of defensive insights that grows throughout the season.
This approach reflects Patricia’s engineering background—just as engineers document technical specifications and test results to inform future designs, Patricia documents defensive observations to enhance future game plans. Notes from early-season practices and games become valuable resources when preparing for later opponents, creating a continuously expanding defensive playbook.
The system extends beyond Patricia himself to the entire defensive staff and even players. Safeties coach Matt Guerrieri and co-defensive coordinator Tim Walton have adopted elements of Patricia’s notation system, creating a shared language and methodology across the defensive coaching staff.
“When you have leaders like Sonny and Arvell… and Payton and Stove, those guys are all like a brotherhood,” linebackers coach James Laurinaitis noted, describing how this documentation culture has filtered down to player leadership.
From Documentation to Implementation
What makes Patricia’s note-taking system particularly effective is the direct connection between documentation and implementation. Notes taken during practice or film study translate directly into practice drills, meeting topics, and game plan adjustments.
This create-test-refine cycle accelerates defensive development, especially valuable as Ohio State integrates eight new defensive starters. Rather than spending weeks identifying issues through trial and error, Patricia’s notation system helps pinpoint specific areas for improvement immediately, allowing for rapid development cycles.
“We’re not even close to rolling out [all our defensive packages],” Guerrieri noted during spring practice, explaining how Patricia’s detailed documentation is guiding incremental implementation of the defensive system.
This methodical, documentation-driven approach reflects Patricia’s belief that defensive excellence comes through precise preparation rather than general concepts. By creating what one observer called a “laboratory environment” for defensive development, Matt Patricia ensures that every practice repetition serves a specific purpose documented and refined through his note-taking system.
The Pencil Philosophy
As Ohio State progresses from spring practice toward summer workouts and fall camp, Patricia’s pencil will continue capturing insights that shape the Buckeyes’ defensive evolution. Each notation—whether a technique adjustment for an individual player or a schematic tweak for a specific situation—contributes to the comprehensive defensive system taking shape under his direction.
For Buckeye fans concerned about defensive continuity after losing eight starters, Patricia’s meticulous note-taking system offers reassurance. While the personnel has changed, the detailed preparation methodology now in place provides a framework for maintaining defensive excellence despite significant turnover.
Just as Patricia’s pencil remains readily available behind his ear, his detailed preparation system ensures that no valuable insight goes undocumented—and no opportunity for defensive improvement goes unaddressed. In a sport where the margin between victory and defeat often comes down to minute details, Patricia’s notation system might prove the difference between a good defense and a championship one.
Also read: From NFL to Big Ten: Why Matt Patricia’s Defensive Mind Will Transform Ohio State
