Matt Patricia has been linked in numerous head coaching searches and this one may be concrete as it appears he is the Detroit Lions’ top choice.
The Detroit Lions search for a head coach appears to be over. Per NFL reporter Albert Breer, the Lions have informed other head coaching candidates that they have been eliminated from the head coaching search in favor of New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. Patricia is expected to take the position once the season ends.
Patricia has been with the Patriots for the past nine seasons, beginning in 2004. That year, he was their offensive assistant. He then received a promotion to assistant offensive line coach in 2005. He then took on the roles of linebackers coach and safeties coach before assuming the role of defensive coordinator in 2012.
The Lions could use Patricia’s tutelage as they need to be better defending the passing game. They gave up the sixth-most yards in 2017 with 4,183 on the season. That breaks down to 261 yards allowed per game. On the other hand, the Lion run defense was the best in the league. Allowing 1,221 yards on the season and 76.3 yards per game, that was the fewest in football.
Patricia has a lot to work with talent-wise on the defensive side of the football. Right defensive end Ziggy Ansah, right defensive tackle Akeem Spence, free safety Glover Quin and strong safety Quandre Diggs are all players that have tremendous upside. Corners Nevin Lawson and Darius Slay are the ones that could potentially benefit most from this move.
Slay is already a Pro Bowl cornerback, and Lawson had a great year. Recording 47 tackles and a forced fumble, the fourth-year player emerged as a dependable part of the defense. They would have the opportunity to continue to grow under Patricia, and coming from New England, the latter may have some valuable tips up his sleeve.
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Patricia’s defenses are known for being physical and aggressive and getting back to that style of play would benefit the Lions greatly. Those two characteristics used to be hallmarks of the Detroit defense. With a plethora of talent in the NFC North, physicality would give the Lions an edge.
It is amazing in today’s ever-changing world of coaches that Patricia has stayed with New England for as long as he has. Now, it appears he is ready to take the next step in his career and try to lead a team to the Super Bowl, with the postseason being something he is all too familiar with.