How did Matt Patricia’s predecessors do in their coaching debuts?

Jim Schwartz – 2009

What he inherited: The worst team in NFL history.

Year 1 Expectations Level: 2009 was never going to be pretty. Just don’t go 0-16 again.

First game: Loss, 27-45 @ New Orleans.

This was Matthew Stafford‘s debut with the Lions as well. Stafford threw three interceptions, while on the other side, Drew Brees threw twice that many touchdowns for the Saints. It was never close, but then, it probably wasn’t meant to be close. The Saints went on to win the Super Bowl, and the Lions were…what the Lions were.

Jim Caldwell – 2014

What he inherited: A talented but top-heavy and undisciplined team that imploded down the stretch in 2013 to finish 7-9.

Year 1 Expectations Level: It’s inexcusable that a team with this much talent couldn’t make the freaking playoffs the year before.

First game: Win, 35-14 vs New York Giants

This Monday Night game couldn’t have gone much better. With a national television audience, a slimmed-down Stafford threw for nearly 350 yards and displayed improved mobility and decision making. The defense picked off Eli Manning twice and held the Giants to 53 rushing yards.

Caldwell’s first game was clearly no fluke, as the Lions went 11-5 and easily reached the playoffs. Additional winning records in 2016 and 2017 were way more than any of the other four coaches on this list could accomplish in Detroit.

Which is why Matt Patricia’s head coaching debut has a little bit different feel to it.