Following the Detroit Lions last game of the season, they announced that Jim Bob Cooter would not be returning as the offensive coordinator in 2019.
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That, of course, means the team will have to interview potential replacements and hire a new OC sooner rather than later.
According to Lions’ general manager Bob Quinn, he will provide support but the hiring will be up to head coach Matt Patricia.
On Monday, Albert Breer reported that Patricia has had a helping hand so far as Lions’ offensive line coach Jeff Davidson has been present in the interviews for OC.
OL coach Jeff Davidson has been in on the interviews. That underscores the importance of the relationship between an offensive coordinator and line coach, of course. And it also is another example of the commitment that Matt Patricia and Co. have put into rehabbing the run game, which was rolling before Kerryon Johnson got hurt.
So far, there have not been any leaks as to which candidates have been interviewed, but we will be sure to pass along any info we come across.
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GM Bob Quinn: Team is tougher since I took over
Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn recently spoke to media members and stated his belief that the team is tougher to play against since he took the reigns in January of 2016.
During his first two years as GM, the Lions finished 9-7 both times with average offensive and defensive numbers. Though the defense remained average during head coach Matt Patricia’s first year, the offense took a dip in efficiency, ranking 25th overall in scoring.
But Quinn is choosing to look more at the intangibles rather than the hard numbers.
“I think we’re a more physical team,” Quinn said. “I think we have a much better and sound, fundamentally, defense, especially run defense. I think we play a physical brand of football, which before, I didn’t think that was the case my first year or two. I think this year, we drastically improved that. …I think the same thing can be said for the offensive line and the running game. I know that part’s better.”
