Detroit Lions: 5 midseason coaching replacements for Matt Patricia

Darrell Bevell

As the Lions’ offensive coordinator and possessing nearly 20 years of NFL experience, Bevell would be the logical choice to take the helm of the franchise as the interim head coach for Detroit. Although he’s never held a head coaching position before.

Already an established locker room presence and considering his offense performed well during his first season with the Lions, Hamp allowing Bevell to try-out for the role makes sense. Although, the offense has sputtered to start this season, the running game, specifically the addition of Adrian Peterson, has been a bright spot.

The acquisition of Peterson is likely the work of Bevell as the two spent several years together in the same roles with the Minnesota Vikings. And their early success together in Detroit bodes well for them fielding a truly balanced offense at some point this season.

With the defense struggling, bringing in a more defensive-minded head coach could be a real consideration. But the truth is, if Patricia is gone, the likelihood of turning the season around with a team he built full of his former players seems remote. So, perhaps letting Bevell take the helm while starting a coaching search for 2021 might be the best course of action.