Detroit Lions: Will this be Jim Bob Cooter’s undoing?
Detroit Lions new head coach Matt Patricia opted to retain offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter this season. But will this be his undoing in the Motor City?
After helping the Detroit Lions field the sixth-best passing offense in the NFL last season, it’s clear why quarterback Matthew Stafford and his receivers went to bat for offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter this offseason.
After the Lions hired former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to be their new head coach earlier this year, sweeping changes were made to Detroit’s coaching staff. But Patricia decided to keep Cooter on as his offensive coordinator. And the passing game is clearly the reason why.
It certainly was not Cooter’s rushing attack, which ranked dead last in the NFL last year. In fact, since being promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator in 2015, the 34-year old has produced the league’s worst running game twice as Motown’s OC. But his passing offense has never ranked lower than 11th.
This offseason, not only did the Lions’ usher in a coaching regime change, they invested heavily in their poor rushing attack. In addition to signing free agent running back LeGarrette Blount coming off his third Super Bowl victory in four years, Detroit selected Arkansas center Frank Ragnow and Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson with their first two picks in the 2018 NFL Draft.
With an offensive line now stocked with talent and two new running backs in their backfield, the Lions have no more excuses for fielding an ineffective running game. And it’s that aspect of the offense that could determine Cooter’s fate in Detroit.
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Since taking over as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, Jim Bob Cooter has made Matthew Stafford a better quarterback while also helping to led the Motor City to back-to-back winning seasons the past two years. Now, Cooter is being asked to field a solid rushing attack as well. If he is unable to do so after all the investments made this offseason, it could end up being his undoing in Detroit.