5 candidates to replace Matt Patricia as Lions head coach

The son of the founder of FedEx, Smith has raised his stock exponentially over the last few years. After spending the last decade with the Titans, both as a defensive assistant and tight ends coach from 2014 to 2018, Smith was handed offensive coordinator responsibilities in 2019. The result saw Ryan Tannehill have the best season of his career while leading the Titans to road upsets of Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson in the playoffs. In 2020, he has the Titans off to a 2-0 start. The Titans, who have been longing for consistency on offense, finally found it thanks to Smith. Unfortunately, his performance might’ve been too good, as the Lions might be inclined to pursue him as a head coach.

Smith would instantly revitalize the Detroit offense, as D’Andre Swift could finally be unleased in the running game while Stafford will get back to chucking to deep down the field. Smith’s relative inexperience is going to be a mark against him, especially for a Lions team that is reeling from hiring another failed Belichick assistant. Having said that, Smith has proved that his schematic innovations can give new juice to a lackluster passing game, and that alone should guarantee him a long leash in Detroit.