Patriots Defensive Coordinator Patricia Named Head Coach of Lions
Tuesday, February 06, 2018
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has officially been named the head coach of the Detroit Lions.
The announcement comes one day after the Patriots lost Super Bowl 52 to the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33.
Patricia released the following statement:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“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.”
Patricia With Patriots
In 14 seasons with the Patriots, Patricia helped lead the team to three Super Bowl Championships, six AFC Championships, and 13 AFC East Division Championships.
Patricia spent the last six seasons as the Patriots defensive coordinator following stints as the Patriots safeties coach, linebackers coach, assistant offensive line coach and coaching assistant.
In 2017, the Patriots ranked fifth in the NFL in points allowed per game (18.5) en route to a 13-3 record.
New England held teams to 20 points or fewer in 11 games last year (2nd in NFL), including 10 games with 17 or fewer.
In 2016, the Patriots had the top-overall scoring defense in the NFL, allowing only 15.6 points per game.
Patricia started with the Patriots in 2004 as a coaching assistant en route to the team’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.
Bummed. Matt Patricia’s game plan sucked. Gave up 538 yards, including 374 to a backup QB. Perfect choice for Lions HC.
— Mark Graham (@unclegrambo) February 5, 2018
Related Slideshow: 5 Reasons Why This Will Be the Patriots Last Trip to the Super Bowl for a Long While
Related Articles
- Patriots Overcome Slow Start to Beat Bills 37-16 on Christmas Eve
- Patriots Sign Former Steelers Linebacker Harrison
- What to Watch For: Jets vs Patriots
- Patriots Cruise Past Jets 26-6, Lock up #1 Seed in AFC
- What to Watch For: Bills vs Patriots
- Patriots Edge Steelers 27-24, Take Hold of #1 Seed in AFC
- What to Watch For: Patriots vs. Bills
- Patriots Fall Flat in Miami, Trail Steelers by 1 Game for AFC’s Top Seed
- Patriots to Sign Receiver Kenny Britt to 2-Year Deal
- What to Watch For: Patriots vs Steelers
- Patriots Respond to ESPN Story Claiming “Dysfunction” in the Organization
- Patriots to Host Titans in Divisional Round Playoff Game on Saturday
- Biggs & Gonzalez Sing Patriots Parody Smash Hit “Amen-Dola” On LIVE
- LIVE: Comic Cunningham On Creating Patriots Parody Video “Amen-Dola”
- Former Patriots Receiver Randy Moss Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
- What to Watch For: Eagles vs Patriots - Super Bowl 52
- 5 Reasons Why This Will Be the Patriots Last Trip to the Super Bowl for a Long While
- Patriots to Face Eagles in Super Bowl 52
- NEW: Patriots Advance to Super Bowl, Beat Jacksonville 24-20 in AFC Championship
- What to Watch For: Titans vs Patriots - 2018 AFC Divisional Playoffs
- Patriots Roll Titans 35-14, Advance to 7th Straight AFC Championship
- Patriots to Host Jaguars in AFC Championship Game
- What to Watch For: Jaguars vs Patriots - 2018 AFC Championship
- Patriots Fall to Eagles 41-33 in Super Bowl 52, Can’t Overcome Errors