Former Lions head coach Matt Patricia is among the worst NFL coaching hires, according to Pro Football Network.
Former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia has found himself on a list that he is well deserving of being included on. In a recent ranking by Pro Football Network, Patricia was named the seventh-worst coaching hire in NFL history. This dubious distinction highlights his tumultuous and ultimately disappointing tenure with the Lions.
Matt Patricia’s Downfall in Detroit
Matt Patricia’s time in Detroit, from 2018 to 2020, was marked by consistent underperformance and internal strife. Hired with high expectations, he was seen as a strategic mind from the New England Patriots’ coaching tree, where he served as the defensive coordinator under Bill Belichick. However, his approach and methods did not translate well to the Lions.
As Dallas Robinson from Pro Football Network succinctly put it, “Many of Bill Belichick’s former underlings have attempted to instill the New England Patriots’ way of doing things with other organizations, and it typically hasn’t gone well. Matt Patricia was no exception. The ex-Patriots DC’s reign as the Lions’ head coach featured one disaster after another. Patricia’s domineering approach backfired, leading to a toxic relationship with the Lions’ locker room.”
Struggles on and off the Field
Under Matt Patricia’s leadership, the Lions compiled a dismal 13-29-1 record. His tenure began with a 6-10 season in 2018, followed by a 3-12-1 record in 2019, and an even more disappointing start to the 2020 season that led to his dismissal after 11 games with a 4-7 record. The team’s performance on the field was characterized by a lack of cohesion and a significant drop in defensive effectiveness, which was particularly surprising given Patricia's background.
Off the field, Patricia’s tenure was plagued by reports of discord within the locker room. Players reportedly bristled at his authoritarian style, which contrasted sharply with the more player-friendly approach of his predecessor, Jim Caldwell. Patricia's attempt to implement the “Patriots way” in Detroit met with resistance and failed to create the disciplined and successful culture that he had experienced in New England.
Matt Patricia Comparisons to Caldwell’s Tenure
The disappointment in Matt Patricia’s performance was exacerbated by comparisons to the success of his predecessor. Jim Caldwell had led the Lions to a 36-28 record over four seasons, including two playoff appearances. Caldwell was widely respected by his players and had brought a sense of stability and competitiveness to the team. In contrast, Patricia’s arrival heralded a period of instability and regression.
The Fallout
The fallout from Matt Patricia’s tenure was significant. It took the Lions several seasons to truly recover and rebuild. The Lions’ decision to move on from Patricia, along with general manager Bob Quinn, marked the beginning of a new era focused on creating a more positive and effective team culture under current head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes.
Patricia’s time in Detroit serves as a cautionary tale for NFL teams hiring from successful coaching trees. The success of assistants in one system does not always guarantee similar results in a different environment. The importance of fit, culture, and leadership style is paramount in ensuring that a coach can translate their experience into success in a new setting.
Moving Forward
The Detroit Lions have turned the page from the Matt Patricia era and are currently enjoying a Super Bowl-contending team under Dan Campbell. Meanwhile, Matt Patricia's experience in Detroit remains a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with leading an NFL team, especially in trying to replicate the success of one of the league’s most storied franchises.
