With each passing game this season, it’s become absolutely clear that Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni isn’t the right man for the job. The Lions’ defense has consistently ranked among the worst in football under his tenure, and coach Matt Patricia has appropriately taken heat for his hiring of his former mentor.
If Martha Ford does what I daresay the majority of the fanbase wants and removes Pasqualoni, here are three potential replacements that could be considered.
Don Martindale
http://gty.im/1055771696
The longtime linebackers coach is impressing in his second go-around as a defensive coordinator, this time with the Baltimore Ravens. He previously served as DC of the Denver Broncos. Martindale was part of the Ravens’ coaching staff that won Super Bowl XLVII. Under Martindale, the Ravens’ defensive unit rose to a No. 1-overall ranking, allowing an NFL-best 292.9 yards per game. Baltimore also permitted the league’s second-fewest points per game (17.9).
Kris Richard
http://gty.im/1163056877
Richard is currently the defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys. He was the Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator after spending five seasons coaching defensive backs. Former Lions coach Rod Marinelli is the current DC in Dallas, and Richard could be looking for a more prominent role after reportedly being considered for the head coaching position for the Miami Dolphins.
Greg Schiano
http://gty.im/1052771750
While speculation runs rampant that Greg Schiano could potentially once again become the head coach at Rutgers, the former Buckeyes DC was set to join the New England Patriots before resigning from the position this past March. He also is a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach.
