Matt Patricia Officially Named Lions Head Coach
After weeks of speculation, the Detroit Lions officially announced Matt Patricia will head the Lions next season in a press statement.
Patricia most recently spent the last six seasons as defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots. Previously, Patricia served in various other assistant roles in his 14 seasons with the Patriots.
"I wanted to find a leader that could take us to the next level," Lions general manager Bob Quinn said in the statement.
Quinn and Patricia's relationship goes back to their years together with the Patriots organization.
Among Patricia's career highlights are three Superbowl wins and six AFC championships.
This past season, the Patriots defense ranked fifth in points allowed per game. The previous season he was the top-scoring defense.
Patricia's coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1996.
Quinn relieved former head coach Jim Caldwell of his position after failing to deliver Detroit's first playoff win this millennium.
Several members of the organization were disappointed the Lions had not achieved more success in a season where the team's chief competitors faced severely limiting quarterback injuries.
Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin also left the team this offseason after interviewing for the head coaching position.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter will likely stay on for the upcoming season.