Detroit Lions: Another weekend, another strong link to Matt Patricia
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions’ coaching search has had some reported twists and turns but always comes back to Matt Patricia being the most likely hire.
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was regarded as one of the favorites when the Detroit Lions‘ head coaching search kicked off almost two weeks ago. Over the course of the first week, the Lions interviewed six candidates, wrapping up with Patricia’s interview last Friday in New England.
As the NFL pregame shows hit for Wild Card weekend, insiders were indicating that Patricia to the Lions was nearly a done deal. Nothing official could happen with a hire since the Patriots remain alive in the playoffs, but indications were strong.
Then the weekend ended and the week began and doubt about just how firm the Lions-Patricia connection might be arose, starting with Peter King’s report that Patricia favors the Giants. Doubt was furthered by unsubstantiated reports out of New York that the Giants may be zeroing in on Patricia as their top choice.
Then this weekend hit and Ian Rapoport re-centered the Matt Patricia discussion around the Lions, while still acknowledging that the Giants had interest, but were not as far along in the process with any candidate as the New York reports suggested. Now today, Adam Schefter has joined the fray, reporting that Patricia is likely to be the Lions’ next head coach.
In his written report, Schefter also acknowledges the Giants’ involvement, while still reporting that the Lions are the likely destination.
"New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, though linked to the New York Giants’ job, is likely to become the next head coach of the Detroit Lions, league sources told ESPN."
It seems a pattern has emerged in the flow of information and reports regarding the Lions coaching search. The most solid info from well-regarded NFL reporters has come out the last two weekends, with their reports remaining firm that Patricia will be the Lions’ next head coach.
Next: Movement in coaching search could come Monday
What has come out in between has been rife with speculation and light on sourcing. While that has been enough to cast doubt on what will ultimately happen, this weekend should have a calming influence on Lions fans hoping to see Matt Patricia roaming the Lions’ sideline next season.