The Detroit Lions have let go of offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter as expected, but what type of changes can we really expect from the offense in 2019?
The celebration that has filled the air in Detroit isn’t your typical New Years fanfare. It’s the cry of happy Detroit Lions fans who are excited to say good-bye to Jim Bob Cooter. That’s right, out with the old offensive coordinator and in with the new.
This past season was very trying for fans of the Honolulu Blue and Silver. Instead of meeting the lofty expectations of hope that had permeated the team last offseason, they crashed and burned and generally looked just like the ‘same old Lions’ we’ve seen for the last 60 years.
Hopeless, clueless and going nowhere fast. But in a Lions world filled with scapegoats, one of the biggest was Jim Bob Cooter. The man had gone from near legendary status for ‘fixing’ Matthew Stafford, to now running an unimaginative offense and having lost his touch with his quarterback.
The fans have been calling for his head almost daily since the season started. Now they have gotten their wish as the Lions and Cooter have agreed to part ways.
Now here’s the thing that will blow the minds of Lions fans; Jim Bob Cooter is still very highly regarded around the league. Even if the Detroit has soured on him. Although it should also be pointed out that while Jim Bob Cooter seemed to lose his touch with Matthew Stafford, technically, George Godsey was and still is the quarterbacks coach. Yet there has not been any outrage over his work.
Nevertheless one of the biggest decisions that Matt Patricia will now have to make is finding a new offensive coordinator. Someone who can turn this offense around. Someone who is innovative and imaginative. Someone who can build upon the start the Lions made in their rushing attack this season and now ‘fix’ the passing game.
Yet most important of all, will be the ability of the new offensive coordinator to make the offense fit Patricia’s vision of what he wants the offense to look and act like. Which may have many Lions fans feeling a little nervous.