MINNEAPOLIS — The Detroit Lions didn’t waste any time. On Monday, they announced that they have hired Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as their coach.
Patricia, 43, has been with the Patriots since 2004. He officially became the defensive signal caller in 2012. It’s been reported that he would be joining the Lions, but he couldn’t talk about it due to NFL rules. Patricia declined to comment about his new job after Super Bowl LII.
"When [...]
MINNEAPOLIS — The Detroit Lions didn’t waste any time. On Monday, they announced that they have hired Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as their coach.
Patricia, 43, has been with the Patriots since 2004. He officially became the defensive signal caller in 2012. It’s been reported that he would be joining the Lions, but he couldn’t talk about it due to NFL rules. Patricia declined to comment about his new job after Super Bowl LII.
“When we launched the search for our next head coach, I wanted to find a leader that could take us to the next level and I am confident we have found that in Matt Patricia,” said Lions GM Bob Quinn in a statement. “He has been preparing for this opportunity his entire career, and he’s ready for the responsibility and its challenges.
“Matt is driven to succeed, has extreme passion for the game and excels in preparation. He embodies the same hard-working, blue-collar attributes that represent our organization and the great City of Detroit.”
The Patriots defense made strides over the years with Patricia. During the 2014 and 2016 Super Bowl winning seasons, the team’s defense was among the NFL’s best.
"I can’t express enough appreciation to the entire New England Patriots franchise, particularly Robert and Jonathan Kraft and their entire family," Patricia said. "I will truly cherish these last 14 years as a member of this incredible organization.
The Patriots will now attempt to replace Patricia and two names have surfaced.
It’s long been believed that linebackers coach Brian Flores would be promoted. Flores was a finalist for the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching position. Flores was also considered for San Francisco's defensive coordinator job after the 2016 season.
The Patriots might also look at Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano. Friends with Belichick, Schiano was the coach at Rutgers when current Patriots' Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon and Kenny Britt played for the Scarlet Knights. He was also the coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2012-2013.