5 replacement candidates for Matt Patricia as Detroit Lions head coach

After the firing of Matt Patricia, the Detroit Lions should consider one of these coaches as the franchise’s next head coach.

Matt Patricia was expected to bring the Patriot way from Foxborough to the Motor City when he was hired by the Detroit Lions. Instead, his engine blew out, leading to a dark tenure for the franchise for nearly three seasons.

The Lions announced Saturday that both Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn were fired following their 41-25 loss to the Houston Texans on Thanksgiving. Offensive coordinator Derrell Bevel will take over the calls as the interim coach for the remainder of the season.

There hasn’t been a more disappointing team in the NFL history than perhaps the Lions. This time around, the Ford Family will have the make sure their next head coaching hire is the right one. As the NFC North becomes easier to win, it’ll all come down to coaching. If the team swings and misses again, this could cement its status as the league’s worst team.

Who should the Detroit Lions hire in 2021?

Jim Caldwell finished four seasons in Detroit with a 36-28 record that ultimately led to his termination. The franchise stated after that even though he produced three seasons with records over .500, he wasn’t enough. Patricia was hired to bring in more wins and finished 13-29-1 in less than three years.

So one more loss that Caldwell in less time, huh? Seems like a real winner there.

Caldwell’s departure left a sour note in the mouths of many around the league. If Detroit wanted to make amends, a quick phone call could have the last coach who took them to the postseason back in the building to pick up where he left off. Although he wasn’t perfect, Caldwell’s offense was significantly better than anything run out by Patricia in the past three years. Heck, even his defense was better than the so-called “defensive guru.”

Would Caldwell want to come back? Maybe not. Should the Lions at least ask? Not even a question.