Lions Make It Official: Matt Patricia Is The Man

DETROIT, MI – If you watched the Super Bowl Sunday, you most likely saw Matt Patricia – and that signature beard and backwards ballcap – pacing the Patriots sideline. Next season, he'll be carrying the clipboard on the Lions' sideline as its new head coach.

The team made the move official on Monday and announced Patricia as the Lions' coach. He'll replace Jim Caldwell, who was fired by the Lions after three seasons and compiling a 36-28 record.

"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," said Lions Vice President and General Manager Bob Quinn. "He has been preparing for this opportunity his entire career, and he’s ready for the responsibility and its challenges."

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Patricia brings to Detroit 20 years of coaching experience in the college and professional ranks, including the past 14 seasons with the New England Patriots. During his time in New England, Patricia helped lead the organization to three Super Bowl Championships, six AFC Championships and 13 AFC East Division Championships. In all 14 of his seasons at the Patriots, New England finished with 10 or more wins, including 11 seasons with 12 or more wins.

Patricia, who has coached on both defense and offense, spent the last six seasons serving as the Patriots defensive coordinator. In 2017, the Patriots ranked fifth in the NFL in points allowed per game and compiled a 13-3 record.

Photo by Chris O'Meara/Associated Press