After weeks of anticipation, the Detroit Lions finally have their leading man in place.
The team confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in the NFL on Monday, as it announced that New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has officially been named as head coach. The move comes just 24 hours after the Patriots' defeat in Super Bowl LII.
Lions executive vice president and general manager Bob Quinn released the following statement confirming the announcement:
When we launched the search for our next head coach, I wanted to find a leader that could take us to the next level and I am confident we have found that in Matt Patricia. He has been preparing for this opportunity his entire career, and he’s ready for the responsibility and its challenges.
Matt is driven to succeed, has extreme passion for the game, and excels in preparation. He embodies the same hard-working, blue-collar attributes that represent our organization and the great city of Detroit.
The team also released an official statement from Patricia, in which he expressed his gratitude to both the Lions and the Patriots, while also paying respect to one individual in particular.
“Lastly, I’d like to express my appreciation and thanks to Bill Belichick," Patricia said. "He’s been a remarkable mentor to me, not only as a football coach but also as a man and as a friend. I have learned immensely from his detailed leadership approach to the game, which has certainly shaped me into the football coach that I am today. Quite simply, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with who I believe is the greatest coach in NFL history.
“Now, I turn all of my attention to the Lions. I look forward to the next chapter of my career in Detroit.”
The move brings an end to Patricia's tenure with the Patriots, which began in 2004 as an offensive assistant. He later served as an assistant offensive line coach, linebackers coach, and safeties coach before taking over as defensive coordinator in 2012.
The 43-year-old takes over a Lions team that finished 9-7 last year under Jim Caldwell, who was fired on Jan. 1 after a four-year stint.
