Detroit Lions Make Surprising Coaching Change
The Detroit Lions made a surprising coaching change this week.
Following an injury-plagued 2019 campaign that saw the Lions go 3-12-1, many wondered if this was the end of the line for head coach Matt Patricia.
Detroit brass expressed a desire to give Patricia one last chance to prove himself in 2020, but the Cleveland Browns had done the same with Freddie Kitchens before giving him the boot.
Nobody is safe in the NFL, regardless of what management promises.
Fortunately for Patricia, he does appear to be safe for one more year – but the same cannot be said for his assistants.
Special teams coach John Bonamego, linebackers coach Al Golden, strength and performance coach Rodney Hill, football performance coach Harold Nash, tight ends coach Chris White and defensive backs coach Brian Stewart were all let go on Tuesday.
Patricia announced the changes in a statement.
The Lions have fired strength coach Harold Nash, special teams coordinator John Bonamego and four other assistants. Big-time staff changes
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) December 31, 2019
“Today, our organization parted ways with John Bonamego, Al Golden, Rodney Hill, Harold Nash, Brian Stewart and Chris White,” he said.
“These decisions are never easy and I’m thankful for the effort these men gave our team.
“I will continue to evaluate our entire operation in the coming days and weeks and will always make decisions in the best interest of the team. I wish these coaches the best in their future endeavors.”
In two years with the Lions Patricia has gone 9-22-1. If he doesn’t put it all together next season, he will likely be shown the door.
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I’ve been a Lions fan for many years, and now I’m very disappointed that Patricia and Quinn are still left with the team, that was very disappointing news, the owners are crazy, and so I’m I if I stick with the Lions, maybe I will consider going back to the Lions when Patricia and Quinn are gone.