Breaking News : Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell Included on Worst NFL Hires List

Breaking News : Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell Included on Worst NFL Hires List

Between 2018 and 2020, Matt Patricia’s tenure at Detroit was characterized by internal conflict and persistent underperformance. Expected to do well, he was brought in as a strategic thinker from the New England Patriots coaching staff, when he was Bill Belichick’s defensive coordinator. But his style and tactics did not work well with the Lions.

“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,” said Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network in a clear and concise manner. Matt Patricia was no different. During his tenure as head coach of the Lions, former Patriots DC had a string of misfortunes. Patricia’s authoritarian style backfired, creating a poisonous environment within the Lions locker room

Struggles on and off the Field

The Lions’ record under Matt Patricia was a miserable 13-29-1. His tenure started in 2018 with a 6-10 record and ended with a 3-12-1 record in 2019. In 2020, he had an even worse start to the season that resulted in his dismissal after 11 games with a 4-7 record. On the field, the club displayed a lack of cohesiveness and a marked decline in defensive effectiveness, which was especially unexpected considering Patricia’s past.

Patricia’s stint off the field was marred by rumors of conflict in the locker room. According to reports, players disliked his dictatorial manner, which stood in stark contrast to Jim Caldwell’s more player-friendly methodology. Patricia encountered opposition when attempting to impose the “Patriots way” in Detroit, and she was unable to establish the prosperous and orderly culture he had encountered in New England.

Matt Patricia Comparisons to Caldwell’s Tenure

The letdown in Matt Patricia’s performance suffered from being compared to his predecessor’s achievements. Over the course of four seasons, Jim Caldwell has guided the Lions to a 36-28 record, including two postseason trips. Caldwell had instilled a feeling of stability and competition in the club and was well-liked by his players. Patricia’s entrance, on the other hand, signaled the beginning of an unstable and backward time.