Monday 5 February 2018 20:47, UK
The Detroit Lions have hired New England Patriots’ defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as their new head coach.
Patricia has coached on both defense and offense for the Patriots since joining the franchise in 2004 and leaves a day after losing Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles.
In 2017, the Patriots ranked fifth in the league for points allowed per game (18.5) as they ended the regular season 13-3.
Patricia replaces Jim Caldwell, who was fired on January 1 after the Lions failed to make the playoffs for the second time in three years, finishing the season at 9-7.
In a statement, Patricia said: "This position comes with great responsibility, and I will commit every ounce of my energy to this football team, starting today.
"I can't express enough appreciation to the entire New England Patriots franchise, particularly Robert and Jonathan Kraft and their entire family. I will truly cherish these last 14 years as a member of this incredible organisation.
"Lastly, I'd like to express my appreciation and thanks to Bill Belichick. He's been a remarkable mentor to me, not only as a football coach but also as a man and as a friend. I have learned immensely from his detailed leadership approach to the game, which has certainly shaped me into the football coach that I am today.
"Quite simply, I've been incredibly fortunate to work with, who I believe, is the greatest coach in NFL history."
The Lions' executive vice president and general manager Bob Quinn said: "When we launched the search for our next head coach, I wanted to find a leader that could take us to the next level and I am confident we have found that in Matt Patricia.
"He has been preparing for this opportunity his entire career, and he's ready for the responsibility and its challenges.
"Matt is driven to succeed, has extreme passion for the game and excels in preparation. He embodies the same hard-working, blue-collar attributes that represent our organisation and the great city of Detroit."
