Lions: Three Defensive Coordinators Detroit Needs to Consider
By Bob Heyrman
It’s a New Year’s miracle for Detroit Lions fans, or is it? Yesterday the team announced that defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni is ‘stepping away’ from football.
In other words, the Detroit Lions have told defensive coordinator he’s not going to be retained for next season as his contract expired. You know this was the hardest decision Matt Patricia has had to make in his eyes. We the fans would have probably rioted if old Paul were brought back next season.
Also, the way the Lions worded this, I’m confident Matt Patricia discussed this with Paul, said I’m feeling the pressure, my job is on the line, and I am forced to make a change so if you willingly walk away I won’t have to fire you. It was just a year ago Pasqualoni mentioned he hoped to coach for quite some time. What a difference a year makes.
The Detroit Lions defense in 2019 was historically bad. It was the worst season since the 0-16 campaign on that side of the ball. Not at all impressive for a head coach others refer to as a defensive genius.
Detroit finished 31st in total defense, dead last (32nd) defending the pass, and 21st against the run. Just horrifying.
The defense at times would have struggled to slow a plastic bag blowing in the re-circulated Ford Field air. I do believe Matt Patricia started to call the defense during the second half of the season, leaving Paul Pasqualoni to be the scapegoat now. The 70-year old has forgotten more football than we’ve known, but last season failed to adapt his philosophy when needed.
It should be playoffs or pink slip next season for both GM Bob Quinn and HC Matt Patricia. That being said, perhaps this so-called defensive genius searches for a better defensive coordinator to help drastically improve this joke of a Lions defense.
Here are a few options; I refuse to go to the New England well in this article. Detroit should stay away from Jared Mayo and company. They need a good, proven DC.