Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reports that the Lions have informed the other head coach candidates they’ve been eliminated from the search and the expectation is that they will hire Patriots DC Matt Patricia as their new head coach.
Earlier in the day, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that Detroit was likely to hire Patricia as their next head coach and reports have linked the Lions to the Patriots’ defensive coordinator for a month now, so this shouldn’t come as a big surprise.
The Lions can’t officially hire Patricia until the Patriots’ season has ended, but it sounds like this is just a formality at this point.
Had Detroit not gone with Patricia, reports said that Texans DC Mike Vrabel was the guy to watch, as they were looking to retain their offensive coaching staff including OC Jim Bob Cooter.
Patricia has obvious ties to Lions GM Bob Quinn from their time together in New England.
Patricia, 43, began his NFL coaching career as an offensive assistant for the Patriots back in 2004. He has held a number of position during his 14 years in New England including assistant offensive line coach, linebackers coach, and safeties coach before he was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2012.
This year, the Patriots’ defense ranks No. 29 in total allowed yards, No. 20 in rushing yards allowed and No. 30 in passing yards allowed and No. 5 in total points allowed.
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