With Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia sure to be linked to NFL coaching openings this offseason, comes a report from the NFL Network's Michael Silver that Patricia is a front-runner for the Detroit Lions job should they make a coaching change.
Bob Quinn, the Lions GM, is familiar with Patricia from his tenure as Patriots director of pro scouting. The Lions (8-7) are likely to part ways with Caldwell, whose team will miss the playoffs this season. He's 35-28 and reached the playoffs twice since taking over in Detroit in 2014.
Patricia, the Pats defensive coordinator since 2012, was a candidate for the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers head coaching jobs last season. Some speculated his wearing a t-shirt with the image of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as a clown after the Patriots won Super Bowl LI last February may have hurt his chances for those jobs.
McDaniels, who has been linked to the New York Giants head coaching opening, turned down the San Francisco 49ers head coaching job last season.