Exodus begins: Patricia leaves Patriots to become coach of Lions

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Matt Patricia made it clear who he believes helped him most as he found himself being officially announced as the new Lions head coach on Monday.

The former Patriots defensive coordinator spent more than a third of his first statement as Detroit's sideline boss thanking his boss with the Patriots.

Here's Patricia's statement in full . . .

"I’m incredibly honored and grateful to be named Head Coach of the Detroit Lions. Thank you to Mrs. Ford and her family, Rod Wood, and Bob Quinn for their trust and support as we begin this new chapter of Lions football.

“This position comes with great responsibility, and I will commit every ounce of my energy to this football team, starting today. My family is excited to become part of this wonderful city that displays so much passion for their teams.

"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 organization.

"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.

"Now I turn all of my attention to the Lions. I look forward to the next chapter of my career in Detroit."

Patricia blamed himself for not having the Patriots defense ready as it allowed 41 points to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII. 

“Obviously, I didn’t do a good enough job here with the defense,” Patricia said. “Look, that is a great offense, they are extremely talented. I have been talking about it all week how good they are.

“They just played really well, and we didn’t get enough stops. I give them all the credit. They played outstanding.”

After the game, before Patricia's signing was announced by Detroit, Patriots captain Devin McCourty said he hoped Patricia will find success in his next job.

"I'm fully confident in him," McCourty said, "so I wish him well and I hope he does a great job.”

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