LOOK: Former NFL GM tweets cryptic message regarding Detroit Lions next head coach

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NFL: Combine
Mar 1, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn speaks to the media during the 2017 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since the rumors started floating around that the Detroit Lions were planning on firing former head coach Jim Caldwell, there has been a plethora of speculation regarding who the Lions next head coach will be.

Now that Caldwell has officially been given his walking papers, that speculation has only increased as the Lions general manager Bob Quinn has been busy interviewing head-coaching candidates around the league. In all, the Lions have already met with six candidates including, Teryl Austin, Jim Bob Cooter, Mike Vrabel, Matt Patricia, Winston Moss, and Pat Shurmur.

NFL: Combine
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Though it seems likely that the Lions next coach has already been interviewed, Quinn nor the Lions have indicated they have completed their search.

On Monday, former NFL general manager and executive Michael Lombardi tweeted out the following message regarding the Detroit Lions and their search for a new head coach.

Though Lombardi’s tweet was very cryptic in nature, it seems like just a matter of days (or sooner) before the Lions get their man.

The big question is, who exactly is Lombardi referring to? Since candidates cannot officially sign until their current team is eliminated from playoff contention, many have automatically eliminated New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia from the list. But, it’s important to note that Lombardi did not say the Lions will “sign” their coach, just that they will “get” their coach.

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If I were a betting man (which I am), I would say that Lombardi is most certainly referring to Patricia in his tweet. Though it may not have any bearing whatsoever, it’s interesting to note that Lombardi’s most recent NFL job was as an assistant to the coaching staff for, guess who, the New England Patriots. Could Lombardi still have his ear close enough to the Patriots that he caught wind of what is about to go down?

Remember, even if Patricia is announced in the coming days, he would not take over as head coach of the Lions until the Patriots are eliminated from playoff contention.