Pat Caputo - What Matt Patricia didn’t say about Jim Bob Cooter spoke volumes

New Lions’ head coach Matt Patricia was a man of many words during his introductory news conference Wednesday.

Not many, other than the traditional and understandable thanking of family and mentors, and acknowledging Lions’ fans, was meaningful.

He made vague an art form with answers to a litany of softball questions, talking around pretty much everything of note, including a direct one.

Is Jim Bob Cooter the offensive coordinator?

He was asked about his offensive staff, and didn’t say anything about retaining Cooter.

“A lot of the staffing is still kind of a work in progress,” Patricia said. “I just got to town. Obviously, some great recommendations from Bob (general manager Quinn) on the guys that were here.’’

Huh?

Then, Patricia adroitly switched to a long discussion about the interview process for being an NFL head coach.

Later he was asked to give a one-word answer to the direct question: Who is going to be your offensive coordinator?

“I’m Italian, so one word answers are a little difficult for me,” Patricia said. “Jim Bob is on staff and he will be here. Obviously, he’s done a great job with what he’s been able to accomplish with Stafford and the offense. He’s someone who has worked with a lot of guys I’ve worked with in the past, somebody everyone speaks highly of. I have a lot of respect for him being on the other side of the ball going against him. Look forward to working together.’’

On staff?

What do you read out of that? A ringing endorsement? I didn’t, especially since he didn’t specifically confirm Cooter is offensive coordinator.

But I don’t blame Patricia for taking that approach. He is the head coach. The perception is the offense is going to be Cooter’s baby, especially after he received resounding backing from quarterback Matthew Stafford after the final regular season game and again the next day.

Patricia is ultimately in charge. If the Lions do bizarre things like they did under Jim Caldwell, you know, such as punt at or near the opposition’s 40-yard line, Patricia will get the blame, not Cooter.

If Quinn stacks the running back spot with talent and adds depth to the offensive line, as anticipated, and the Lions still don’t run the ball effectively, that’s on Patricia, not Cooter.

If Patricia notices something he thinks Cooter and Stafford can be do better, it has to be implemented. It can’t just be taken as a suggestion.

Most Lions’ fans would be surprised how respected Cooter is in NFL circles. I was told by more than one NFL source, not related to the Lions, that if they let Cooter go, he’d have a new job immediately in the league, and with a big raise.

It makes sense from the standpoint of the Lions’ offense personnel compared to production. They didn’t remotely have an every down running back last season. Their offensive line was poorly pieced together by Quinn. Stafford was sacked the second most of any NFL QB and the Lions were last in the NFL in rushing.

Golden Tate and Marvin Jones are solid, but generally would be considered second receivers on top teams. Yet, the Lions were in the top half of the NFL (13th) in total offense and top quarter in points per game (7th).

It does beg the question? What is the Stafford/Cooter combination capable of with a respectable running game?

I very much think the Lions got it right by hiring Patricia. It was something I called for two years ago when Quinn retained Caldwell. I especially like it in conjunction with Cooter remaining. I thought Quinn had a terrible second year after a promising first one as general manager, but took a very important step forward with the hiring of Patricia. I’d be surprised if Quinn hasn’t learned from his mistakes.

I can see where the Lions could be next season’s version of the Vikings or Jaguars or Eagles.

But it can’t be shared leadership on the sidelines.

There has be one boss. I thought Patricia established that as much by what he didn’t say as what he did Wednesday in regard to Jim Bob Cooter.

And that’s a good thing.