It’s Official: Matt Patricia Is Heading to the Lions
He'll be the head coach in Detroit.
Photo via AP/Charles Krupa
It’s finally official. As expected, Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is headed to Detroit, where he’ll be head coach of the Lions. The team announced the move in a tweet on Monday afternoon, less than 24 hours after the Pats’ heartbreaker of a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles at the Super Bowl.
The #Lions have hired Matt Patricia as the franchise’s new head coach: https://t.co/Al0meXH4Ur pic.twitter.com/AYa2IYRidT
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018
“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 Bob Quinn, the Lions’ executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement. 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.”
Patricia, 43, joined the Pats in 2004 and has been the team’s defensive coordinator since 2012. In a statement, he says he’s excited for the opportunity and thankful for his time in New England.
“This position comes with great responsibility, and I will commit every ounce of my energy to this football team, starting today,” he said in a statement. My family is excited to become part of this wonderful city that displays so much passion for their teams. “I can’t express enough appreciation to the entire New England Patriots franchise,” he added, “particularly Robert and Jonathan Kraft and their entire family. I will truly cherish these last 14 years as a member of this incredible organization.”
