Report: Patriots preparing to lose DC Patricia, likely to Lions

Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is among the NFL's hottest head coaching candidates, and New England is reportedly resigned to losing him.

The Patriots are bracing for Patricia's exit, with the Detroit Lions being his most likely destination, a source told Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn previously worked for the Patriots, so it was assumed Patricia would be a strong candidate for the vacancy.

Patricia interviewed with the Lions on Friday. The 43-year-old has also met with the New York Giants and is scheduled to talk Saturday with the Arizona Cardinals.