Bob

Quinn

The pair have been awful during their time in Detroit, a statement that is only enhanced when considering Jim Caldwell went 36-28 in four seasons as head coach. Quinn was hired as GM back in 2016 after serving as the Patriots’ director of pro scouting. He then prioritized Patricia, the Patriots’ former defensive coordinator, prior to the 2018 season. From free agent signings to coaches on staff, this was a clear attempt to replicate “The Patriot Way.” It failed. In three seasons, the Patricia-led Lions produced a 13-29-1 record, including Thursday’s 41-25 Thanksgiving loss to the Texans. Patricia, a highly regarded defensive mind, failed to create a league average defensive unit over the course of three seasons. The Lions join the Falcons and the Texans as the three clubs (as of now) looking for a new leader ahead of the 2021 season. OC Darrell Bevell will serve as interim head coach.

“Had a few of those conversations over the last week or so,” Quinn said on discussing a possible trade for Detroit’s No. 3 overall pick. “Had a few of those conversations as far back as the combine.” Though this obviously doesn’t guarantee the Lions move back —far from it, in fact — Quinn added that he would “probably” have any hypothetical deal done by Thursday afternoon to ensure no conversations bleed over into the evening while the team is on the clock. Buckle up.

Quinn has been with the Pats since 2000, serving as pro scouting director since 2012. If you’re trying to find the next big thing, New England is never a bad place to start.

Quinn, 39, has spent his entire career in New England, directing the pro (not college) scouting department the last three seasons. His player evaluations are highly regarded, but Quinn is a relative unknown among front-office executives. He beat out Giants assistant GM Kevin Abrams, Seahawks co-director of personnel Trent Kirchner, and in-house candidate Sheldon White for the job. Quinn will be tasked with turning around a rushing offense that ranked dead-last in the NFL while dealing with the Calvin Johnson retirement/salary cap situation. The Lions also need an injection of young talent on defense.

The team gave new coach Matt Patricia a five-year deal, and this extension links both the coach and GM for the next five seasons. It was Quinn who handpicked Patricia after the two worked together in New England. Quinn has hit on 2016 draft picks LT Taylor Decker, C Graham Glasgow, and DE Anthony Zettel, while also nabbing All-Pro returner Jamal Agnew in the fifth round last year.