The Detroit Lions announced Monday that they’ve officially hired Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as their new head coach.
Patricia released the following statement:
- “I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be named Head Coach of the Detroit Lions. Thank you to Mrs. Ford and her family, Rod Wood, and Bob Quinn for their trust and support as we begin this new chapter of Lions football.
“This position comes with great responsibility, and I will commit every ounce of my energy to this football team, starting today. My family is excited to become part of this wonderful city that displays so much passion for their teams.
“I can’t express enough appreciation to the entire New England Patriots franchise, particularly Robert and Jonathan Kraft and their entire family. I will truly cherish these last 14 years as a member of this incredible organization.
“Lastly, I’d like to express my appreciation and thanks to Bill Belichick. He’s been a remarkable mentor to me, not only as a football coach but also as a man and as a friend. I have learned immensely from his detailed leadership approach to the game, which has certainly shaped me into the football coach that I am today. Quite simply, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with, who I believe, is the greatest coach in NFL history.
“Now I turn all of my attention to the Lions. I look forward to the next chapter of my career in Detroit.”
Here’s the statement from Lions GM Bob Quinn regarding the decision to hire Patricia:
“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.
“Matt is driven to succeed, has extreme passion for the game and excels in preparation. He embodies the same hard-working, blue-collar attributes that represent our organization and the great City of Detroit.”
It’s been clear for several weeks now that Patricia was going to be hired as the Lions’ next head coach, but Detroit had to wait until the Patriots were officially out of the playoffs before they could make anything official.
It will be interesting to see if Patricia attempts to lure any coaches away from the Patriots to join him in Detroit. One name to watch for the Lions could be Patriots special teams coordinator Joe Judge, who’s contract is now up.
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.
In 2017, 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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