NFL Power Rankings, Week 13: Browns make history, Packers win big

Thanksgiving was rough for Detroit Lions fans but even worse for their coach and general manager. After being torched by the Houston Texans in a 41-25 loss, the Lions elected to fire both their head coach, Bob Quinn, and head coach Matt Patricia.

These moves weren’t exactly shocking as the Lions have been bad under Patricia. And as Michael David Smith from Pro Football Talk says, they only got worse under Quinn ‚— although Smith also says having both go at the same time sends a strong message to a franchise that’s been in disarray for a while now.

"“Everyone knew Patricia was on the hot seat, but firing Quinn at the same time is a strong statement from Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp that this franchise needs major changes. This is Quinn’s fifth season as the Lions’ G.M., and the roster has only gotten worse, not better.” — Michael David Smith, Pro Football Talk"

Smith also pointed out that Patricia is to blame for the team trending in the wrong direction. He replaced Jim Caldwell, who was 36-28 in four seasons — and 9-7 in each of his final two in the Motor City. Patricia went in the exact opposite direction, going 13-29-1 during his tenure.

The Lions named Darrell Bevell the interim coach and it’s hard to think they won’t improve dramatically following the departure of Patricia, who never seemed to be a great fit.