Detroit Lions’ search for new offensive coordinator requires patience

The Detroit Lions’ search for the team’s next offensive coordinator has been shrouded in silence. Once again, patiently waiting is all Lions fans can do.

The Detroit Lions are not in the playoffs. But for the true fan, the season never really ends.

The decision to move on from former offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has the fan base in a feeding frenzy for information. Unfortunately, the Lions are operating under radio silence, offering very little in terms of who the team is targeting as Cooter’s successor.

Once again, patience – if fans have any left – is required as the Lions methodically go about the most important hire in the Matt Patricia era.

So far, only four candidates have been identified: current Lions’ quarterbacks coach George Godsey, former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

As of Monday morning, two of those candidates are no longer available. Sarkisian has agreed to return to Nick Saban’s staff at the University of Alabama. Monken, who had an interview scheduled with the Lions, has reportedly been hired as the new offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns.

Hackett is the only other name of the four who actually completed an interview with the Lions, while other potential candidates emerge out of mere speculation.

Over the weekend, Adam Schefter reported that Gary Kubiak, who was previously expected to return the Broncos’ sideline as their offensive coordinator, will now hit the open market.

While fans watch candidates get hired by other teams, the fear is that the Lions must move quickly. The most important thing to remember, however, is that Patricia must not rush to reckless judgment on his decision.

This hire will go a long way in determining the ultimate success of general manager Bob Quinn, Patricia, quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the Lions franchise. Deliberation is warranted. Hiring the offensive coordinator is not a race; nothing is awarded by making the early hire.

Making the right hire, not the quickest hire, is the prudent way to go. Unfortunately for fans of the Detroit Lions that requires agonizing patience and trusting the process.