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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 Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images
Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images /

Robert Saleh, Defensive Coordinator – 49ers

With Matthew Stafford under center and the hopeful addition of a starting-caliber running back this upcoming offseason, the Lions might figure a defensive-minded head coach is the direction to go. Enter in Michigan native Robert Saleh.

Born in Dearborn, Saleh got his coaching start as a defensive assistant at Michigan State in 2002. He would move on to Central Michigan and Georgia before landing with the Houston Texans as an intern in 2005. After stints with the Seattle Seahawks and the Jacksonville Jaguars, Saleh landed the defensive coordinator job with the rebuilding San Francisco 49ers in 2017.

During Saleh’s three-year stint with the Niners, the defense has been steadily improving. It could be argued that San Francisco has the top defensive unit in the NFL right now. The 49ers allow a league-low 241.0 yards to opposing offenses. And they are second in points allowed per game (12.8).

With the Niners posting an impressive 8-0 record, Saleh’s name is one of the fastest risers for a possible head coaching position next year. And based on his roots, the Lions certainly seem to make a lot of sense as a potential landing spot.

Next. Ranking the top 10 quarterbacks in Detroit Lions history. dark

Those are five names we believe make sense as potential replacements for head coach Matt Patricia in Detroit. Who did we miss? Tell us some of your best candidates for the job in the comment section below. Or perhaps you believe Patricia’s deserves more time. Feel free to share your thoughts on that as well.

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