5 NFL head coaches who should have been fired already

4. Matt Patricia

Patricia is one coach on this list who was fortunate to even enter the 2020 season with a job. His 1-2 start shouldn’t make anyone inside the Lions any more convinced that he’s the right guy to lead this franchise forward.

In fairness to Patricia, things might look differently if D’Andre Swift had reeled in what should have been a game-winning touchdown pass against the Bears in Week 1. That doesn’t excuse Detroit from being blown out by the Packers the following week. Only a strange victory over the Cardinals last week prevents the Lions from wallowing at 0-3.

Detroit hired Patricia to help preside over a defensive revival in Motown. That clearly hasn’t taken shape. The Lions continue to give up points and yards at an alarming rate. Ironically, Patricia has enjoyed more success in overseeing an explosive offense whenever Matthew Stafford ha been healthy enough to line up under center.

It’s almost impossible to envision a scenario in which Patricia turns the Lions into anything remotely resembling an NFC North contender. That’s reason enough for Detroit’s front office to pull the plug on his misguided tenure.