Detroit Lions: Why Matt Patricia might succeed where many have failed

So now Matt Patricia is the man on the hot seat in Detroit and everyone is concerned about his ability to do the job as a first time head coach. First time as in never was a head coach before. Not on any level. So we now wonder if he can handle it?

Let’s examine what he has going for him. We’ll start with the fact that he is literally the smartest man in the room. He is a rocket scientist and not only knows how to think outside the box, but most likely discarded the box years ago or turned it into a lunar module.

On every level from college to the Patriots, he has changed the way that those programs have done business. His ability to come up with ways to streamline and improve the off field way the team operates as well as his ability to to adapt to game situations makes him a a natural to run a staff.

The staff he has compiled is very familiar to him and they all seem to think just like he does. There is a synchronicity in Allen Park. A common way of thinking with a common purpose. Patricia also respects his assistants and even announced this past week that Paul Pasqualoni, his hand picked defensive coordinator, will call the defense.

So his ability to be forward thinking, adjust on the run and get the most out of his players puts him in a real good position to be successful.

Now having said that, one would have to be concerned that his closeness to players will make it difficult for him to be the one who has to release those unfortunate athletes that aren’t good enough to make the roster and the fact that he is learning to be a head coach on the fly at the highest level will bare watching.

However, the fact that Patricia will be himself and not try to be Belichick, bodes well for him and his chances at success. He is a guy that believes in being personable and cares about his players and coaches.

The culture he is trying to built has already started with the likes of LeGarratte Blount, Devon Kennard and Sylvester Williams all signing with the Lions as free agents because of their meeting with Matt Patricia or what they knew about him and his success in New England.

If the Lions can finish their offseason with a powerful draft, Patricia will have every opportunity to be successful despite what has to be considered a loaded division with the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers both having improved themselves.

Next: Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft 7-Round Mock 4.0

Patricia’s ability to teach, be himself and connect with his players should create a different kind of team at Ford Field. One that is more prepared, efficient and hopefully capable of winning.

Because we’ve already seen almost every kind of coaching failure possible here.