Seven Head Coaches the Detroit Lions should consider

Kent Platte: Matt Patricia

Nov 23, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia during the second half of the New England Patriots 20-13 win over the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Many media and fans have thrown out the name of former Denver Broncos Head Coach and present Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as a potential head coaching candidate for the Detroit Lions in 2016 and beyond.  I won’t go into why I disagree with that choice, but will rather be looking to the other side of the ball for the Patriots.  Matt Patricia has quietly been one of the better defensive minds in the NFL since taking over that job in 2012.

Since that time, he has fielded a top ten defense in points allowed every season from 2012 to present, and took a 31st ranked unit in yards allowed in 2011 and turned it into a top 10 unit as well in 2016.  Despite losing players like Vince Wilfork and Brandon Spikes, and an often patched together defensive secondary, Patricia has paired well with the potent Patriots offense and built a unit that doesn’t have many stars, but has plenty of stopping power.  There is risk involved, as he is a Belichick underling, but Matt Patricia has had his name thrown around favorably more than any of his predecessors and it’s well deserved.

New guy Eric Ranes believes the Lions should go with a familiar face.

Next: Eric Ranes: Teryl Austin