The #Lions have hired Matt Patricia as the franchise’s new head coach: https://t.co/Al0meXH4Ur pic.twitter.com/AYa2IYRidT
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018
The Detroit Lions confirmed the rumors today–Matt Patricia will be the franchise’s new head coach. The former Patriots defensive coordinator had been with the team in some capacity for 13 years, playing a large role in securing three Super Bowl victories.
Despite his popularity in New England, the 43-year-old left Patriots Nation with a sour taste in its mouth after playing a role in the benching of Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII. The Pats D let Nick Foles carve them up to the tune of 373 yards and three touchdowns, hanging up 41 points.
Lions’ general manager Bob Quinn had this to say in a statement on the team’s official site:
“When we launched the search for our next head coach, I wanted to find a leader that could take us to the next level and I am confident we have found that in Matt Patricia. He has been preparing for this opportunity his entire career, and he’s ready for the responsibility and its challenges.”
Patricia will be tasked with reinvigorating a defense ranked 21st in the NFL in points allowed and 27th in yards allowed.
This just in: The Patriots are expected to hire New Jersey native Greg Schiano as defensive coordinator to replace Matt Patricia, according to FootballScoop.com. Times, they are a’changin’.
[h/t Bleacher Report]