Who is Matt Patricia?
Ah, Matt Patricia—the man, the myth, the beard! If you’ve ever been curious about what happens when an aeronautical engineer swaps blueprints for playbooks, here’s your answer. Born on September 13, 1974, in Sherrill, New York, Patricia initially dreamed of designing aircraft but ultimately found himself crafting defensive strategies in the NFL. From engineering to X’s and O’s, it’s clear his career took an unexpected turn.
In addition to his passion for football and analytics, Patricia is recognized for his distinctive style: a rugged beard, a pencil often tucked behind his ear (which may or may not be put to use), and a wardrobe filled with hoodies and shorts—regardless of the weather. Snowstorm in Foxborough? Shorts. Heatwave in Detroit? Shorts. It’s truly a lifestyle.
Matt Patricia Career
Patricia’s path to the NFL was anything but typical. While many football coaches rise through the ranks as former players, Patricia played center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and earned a degree in aeronautical engineering. He was on a trajectory to design jets before realizing that coaching defensive lines was just as thrilling as working with aerodynamic lift.
After graduating in 1996, Patricia received a tempting job offer from Westinghouse Electric Company to work on nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers. Most would have jumped at that opportunity, but Patricia thought, “Coaching college football sounds like a better gig.” So, he declined the stable, high-paying position and began coaching at Amherst College in 1999. A daring decision, for sure.
From Amherst, Patricia moved through various college coaching positions before joining the New England Patriots in 2004 as an offensive assistant. Under the legendary Bill Belichick, he quickly advanced—transitioning from offense to defense and ultimately becoming the Patriots’ defensive coordinator in 2012.
During his time with the Patriots, Patricia played a key role in securing three Super Bowl victories (2004, 2014, and 2016), demonstrating that an engineer can indeed construct a championship-level defense. In 2018, he was given the opportunity to be a head coach with the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately, his stint in Detroit was… let’s just say, “educational.” After a challenging period marked by losses and some controversial coaching decisions, he was let go in 2020. But as they say, you learn from experience, and he returned to the Patriots in 2021, which is exactly what he did.
Matt Patricia Net Worth
So, just how much does a coach with three Super Bowl rings, a short-lived head coaching career, and a permanent case of “shorts in winter” syndrome earn? As of 2025, Matt Patricia’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.
His peak NFL salary was reportedly around $3 million per year, which isn’t too shabby for a guy who once chose football over nuclear engineering. Of course, coaching in the NFL isn’t just about big paychecks—it’s also about heart, dedication, and surviving the wrath of Detroit Lions fans.
Matt Patricia Age
As of 2025, Matt Patricia is 50 years old. That marks five decades filled with football, engineering, and a beard that shows no signs of giving up.
By now, he’s experienced everything—Super Bowl victories, challenging head coaching moments, and maybe even a few near misses with frostbite (thanks to those notorious shorts). Yet, despite it all, he continues to be a respected presence in the NFL coaching community.
Matt Patricia Family: Wife and Children
Behind every successful coach is a loving family, and for Patricia, that support comes from his wife, Raina Patricia. The couple exchanged vows in 2009 in Aruba, proving that an NFL coach’s offseason can indeed be a romantic getaway.
Raina, who grew up in Rhode Island, has stood by Matt through all the highs and lows, from Super Bowl celebrations to the more challenging days of coaching in Detroit. Together, they have three children—Dominic, Dante, and Giaminna—who have probably learned to tune out football discussions during family meals.
Raina is also actively engaged with the Patriots Women’s Association, where she takes part in charity initiatives and annual trips to Boston. It’s clear that when she married Matt, she didn’t just embrace a life filled with football; she became part of a whole football community.
Matt Patricia Height and Weight
For someone who once played offensive line, Matt Patricia has an impressive build—standing at 5 feet 6 inches (170 cm) tall. While he’s not exactly towering over his players, what he lacks in height, he makes up for in football IQ.
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