Ohio State is adding another former NFL assistant coach to its staff just three weeks before the Buckeyes kick off their schedule against Texas.
Former Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Josh Boyer is joining Ohio State’s staff, according to multiple reports. Pete Thamel of ESPN was first to report news of the hire on Saturday afternoon.
Sources: Ohio State is expected to add former Miami Dolphins DC and longtime NFL assistant coach Josh Boyer to the coaching staff. He brings a long familiarity with DC Matt Patricia, as Boyer worked for the Patriots from 2006-2018 and won three Super Bowls. pic.twitter.com/leiFsL1saE
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 9, 2025
Boyer served as DC for the Dolphins for three seasons from 2020 through 2022. His experience working alongside current Ohio State DC Matt Patricia is likely what made him most attractive as a candidate to join the Buckeyes' staff.
Boyer and Patricia both began working for the New England Patriots in 2006 and served in multiple roles on Bill Belichick's staff across the next decade-plus. Patricia ultimately became the Patriots' DC in 2012 and Boyer served under him as cornerbacks coach until Patricia left to become head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2018. Boyer left New England in 2019 to become the Miami Dolphins’ defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach.
A native of Heath, Ohio, Boyer began his coaching career in 2000 after playing as a wide receiver and defensive back at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio. He started out as a graduate assistant at King's College in Pennsylvania before serving in various football staff positions at Dayton, Kent State and Bryant before landing with the Patriots.
As of Saturday afternoon, it was unclear what Boyer's official title will be on Ohio State's staff.
