Hiring a new coach
Fast forward to the end of this season, and Quinn is pounding the pavement looking for a replacement. Some speculate that Matt Patricia to the Motor City was not an idea that Quinn thought up in December.
The current New England Patriots defensive coordinator has always been mentioned as a strong possibility to come to Detroit. Patricia and Quinn both worked for the Patriots, and are well acquainted. Any mention of coaching candidates for the Lions always included Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia, Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick’s, offensive and defensive coordinators.
What’s to like about Detroit
Aside from the invite from a fellow Patriot, Patricia had to have felt comfortable with numerous other factors to agree to any deal. There is no official deal until after the Super Bowl, but the two sides, the Lions and Patricia, have agreed to terms.
NFL reporter, Adam Schefter reported on Twitter …
Patriots’ defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is likely to become the Detroit Lions’ next head coach, league sources told ESPN. More on Sunday NFL Countdown.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2018
To get it out of the way, I’m sure he’s getting a major pay increase from being a coordinator. However, he had many job offers, and he still appears to have chosen Detroit.
The Lions have many major pieces in place. Quarterback? Check. Left tackle? Check. Offensive playmakers? Check. A great cornerback? Check. A field general, and All-Pro caliber safety, on defense? Check. Young talent? Check.
Those are some of the big questions that teams like the Cleveland Browns, and other struggling franchises, do not have answers to.
Also, the general manager has cap space to go get help. According to Over The Cap, the Lions have in excess of $43 million dollars to spend in 2018.