With the Detroit Lions struggling to find answers for their poor season, head coach Matt Patricia has come under fire. That and more in today’s headlines.
Coming off back-to-back 9-7 seasons, the Detroit Lions suddenly find themselves in rebuilding mode under a new head coach in Matt Patricia who failed to lift the Motor City to new heights in 2018.
Facing their first losing season in three years, the Lions are struggling to find answers for their regular season woes under the first time head coach. From punctuality, to coaching changes, to late season incentives and the 2019 NFL Draft, here are today’s most intriguing headlines.
Matt Patricia consistently late to team meetings, ex-Detroit Lion says – Detroit Free Press
First, consider the unnamed source here. Although the fact Patricia is constantly late to media sessions isn’t a great endorsement. I don’t think this is even an issue if the Lions are preparing for a playoff run right now rather than the offseason.
Still, for someone who cracked the whip on a media member for slouching during a press conference this season, tardiness isn’t something you’d expect from a coach tasked with changing a losing culture.
Matthew Stafford not as firm with Jim Bob Cooter endorsement this year – Pro Football Talk
All signs point to Cooter being let go in the offseason. And if there isn’t a planned change at head coach, offensive coordinator seems to be the next logical choice to shake things up.
Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson closing in on $550K in incentives – ESPN.com
These handful of veterans have something to play for in Green Bay this weekend. Despite the draft implications, I fully expect the Lions to give it their all on Sunday against the Packers.
Detroit Lions mailbag: Why Lions could take a QB high in 2019 NFL draft – Detroit Free Press
Let’s face it. If you liked Stafford prior to this season, you likely believe his supporting cast suffered as the season wore on to give the 10-year passer “a pass” for 2018. If you are not a Stafford supporter, this season hasn’t changed your mind.
How Jim Caldwell’s image got stronger with a year away from the game – MLive.com
Finally, Caldwell has suddenly become a hot name on the 2019 head coaching carousel. And there is little doubt that the fact Detroit failed to replicate his success under Patricia this season has boosted his stature league-wide.