The 2018 version of the Detroit Lions sucked horribly. The head coach sucked. The offense sucked. The defense sucked. Heck, even the special teams sucked at times.
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So, with that established, what can be done during the offseason to turn things around on time for the kickoff of the 2019 season?
Though I have a few ideas up my sleeve that would help the team to improve greatly, the biggest idea is one that will likely blow your mind. Mostly because I am not sure if it has ever been done before.
In my opinion, there is one BOLD move the Lions can make this offseason that will, in turn, put the wheels in motion for a 2019 NFC North Title run.
Now, I get it. You are probably already shaking your head and calling me a moron for thinking the Lions have any chance in 2019.
But they do.
IF and ONLY IF they make this BOLD move. (Technically it is a trio of moves but stick with me)
Ladies and gentlemen, the Detroit Lions Lions should make the following moves as soon as the 2018 season comes to an end.
- Fire Jim Bob Cooter (Duh!)
- Demote Matt Patricia to defensive coordinator (WHOA!)
- Hire Mike McCarthy as head coach (Say what?)
There, I said it. (Well, actually I typed it)
First of all, firing current offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter is the biggest no-brainer of the upcoming offseason. In fact, I already have begun working on a shell for the piece so as soon as it happens, I can notify you immediately. There is no need to defend this, so I won’t.
Second, the Lions should demote Matt Patricia to defensive coordinator and still pay him what he is owed in his contract. If he accepts, great, if not, see ya. I know it is Patricia’s first season and I NEVER judge a head coach or manager after just one season but this one seems clear. The former Patriots’ defensive coordinator is without a doubt in over his head. Not only is Patricia a worse game manager than Jim Caldwell ever was with the Lions, but it seems obvious that he does not have the entire locker room buying into what he is preaching. We all know Patricia is a defensive guru and that is exactly what he should be focusing on with the Lions. The question is, would he be down with this?
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Last, the Lions should already be on the phone with former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. Despite being fired by the Packers this season, McCarthy has proven that he can get a locker room behind his philosophy. Prior to taking over as head coach of the Packers in 2006, he spent numerous seasons as either a quarterbacks coach and/or offensive coordinator in the NFL. McCarthy has proven himself over the years and though his time in Green Bay was up, he still has what it takes to win. Whether you like it or not, Matthew Stafford is not going anywhere and McCarthy may just have the magic elixir to get the best out of the Lions signal-caller.
Now, the chances of this are extremely slim, especially since Bob Quinn is not the sharpest knife in the drawer when it comes to hiring/firing coaches, but it would work.
Trust me.
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