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Detroit Lions: Why Matt Patricia isn’t going to New York

By Steven Mullenax

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 24: Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots looks on in the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 24: Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots looks on in the AFC Championship game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on January 24, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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The Post reports that coaching in New York was never Matt Patricia’s first choice. Instead, he’s expected to joining the Detroit Lions. But why?

Not long after reports had linked New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as a possible candidate for the vacant head coaching position for the Detroit Lions, rumors that the New York Giants were his top choice surfaced. And why not?

After all, Patrica is a native of New York hailing from Sherrill, which is about four hours north of the Big Apple. And who wouldn’t want to coach in NYC? And for a legendary franchise like the Giants? Well, apparently, the answer to those questions is Patricia.

Although his hiring can not be made official until after his Super Bowl commitments are met, Patricia is expected to become the Lions’ head coach next week. And, according to The Post, it’s been revealed that coaching in New York was never Patricia’s preference. And here’s the possible reason as to why …

"“The people I spoke to that work with him and know him didn’t think he was ready for a high-profile job,’’ an unnamed source told The New York Post. “They thought it would be Detroit or Arizona, where he could kind of cut his teeth, they didn’t think he was ready to leave the nest yet.’’"

That explanation doesn’t exactly paint either the Lions or the Cardinals in the best light. And, in that scenario, what happens when Patricia is ready to “leave the nest”? Regardless, Detroit seems to have gotten the man they wanted. And at the end of the day, that’s all that counts, right?

This report reeks of a small town boy not being ready for the big, scary city. First off, getting to coach one of the league’s most historic and beloved franchises is more than a consolation prize. Secondly, if Patricia can led the Lions to a Super Bowl title, he’ll be treated like a god in Detroit for the rest of his life. I wonder how Tom Coughlin is treated in New York?

Although there is certainly pressure to win in the Motor City, it likely pales in comparison to what Patricia face in New York.

Next: Could the Detroit Lions sign running back Le’Veon Bell?

Maybe Patricia’s decision was partly based on expectations. In New York, they “expect” you to win. And win now. If you don’t, the media will dog you endlessly, everywhere. In Detroit, fans “want” you to win. And the local media is so used to being disappointed, that even if you do win, they refuse to get their hopes up.

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