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Detroit Lions: 5 potential coaching replacements for Matt Patricia

By Steven Mullenax

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Head Coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions watches the pregame action prior to the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on November 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Head Coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions watches the pregame action prior to the start of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on November 18, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images
Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images /

Coming off their latest loss to the Oakland Raiders, the Detroit Lions may decide to move on from Matt Patricia. If they do, here are five potential replacements.

When the Detroit Lions fired Jim Caldwell after a 9-7 season at the end of 2017, the Pride were moving on from head coach that had led the team to rare success. During Caldwell’s brief four-year tenure, the Lions posted three winning seasons and earned two playoff berths.

Yet, the decision to move on from Caldwell was due in part to his lack of postseason success. Therefore the Lions turned to the New England Patriots’ Matt Patricia. As the Pats’ defensive coordinator for six seasons, Patricia never missed the playoffs. In fact, he led the defense to six-straight conference championship appearances and three Super Bowls, winning two.

Patricia’s pedigree was outstanding. And his reputation as a defensive genius proceeded him. Yet, two seasons into his tenure in Detroit and the 45-year old looks like a dud. Just another in a long line of former Bill Belichick disciples to disappoint outside his watchful eye.

After going 6-10 in his rookie season as an NFL head coach, Patricia is currently spearheading a 3-4-1 season in Detroit. And that’s despite the organization doubling-down on his scheme this offseason, bringing in high-priced free agents and former Patriots like defensive end Trey Flowers, cornerback Justin Coleman, and wide receiver Danny Amendola.

The worst thing about the Lions this season has been Patricia’s calling card – the defense. Detroit’s defense currently ranks 31st in the NFL allowing 424.1 offensive yards per game. Their 30th against the pass (288.4 yards per contest) and ranked 27th in rushing defense (135.8 yards per contest).

If the Lions once again find themselves in the basement of the NFC North and are unable to improve on their 6-10 record from last season, Detroit may have no other choice to part ways with both Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn. If they do, here are five potential candidates to replace the head coach in the Motor City.

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