Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia wants to dispel any notion that he is trying to build his team in the image of the New England Patriots. Patricia became a three-time Super Bowl champion working for the Patriots. He was on their coaching staff from 2004 to 2017.
This is his first year as a head coach in the NFL, and his Lions are off to a 0-2 start. Patricia thinks that nobody can build a team the way Bill Belichick did for the Patriots, via Mike Reiss of ESPN.
“One of the biggest things for me when I got to New England, and it was different from what I had experienced before, was the way he coached the team. I don’t know any head coaches who can do that like he can, with as much detail. It’s just incredible,” said Patricia.
Even still, Patricia has tried to take a couple of pages from Belichick's playbook here and there. His proposition of joint practices with the Raiders after the preseason schedule was released was reminiscent of earlier moves made by Belichick.
However, Patricia went on to acknowledge that the Patriots became the organization they are today through years of consistency, something he hasn't had the opportunity to build in Detroit.
“The rhythm that is there in New England is a result of years of consistency. I am starting from ground zero in Detroit, so I’m trying to pave the way and get everybody on board. And once you get those people you can trust around you, then it’s making sure you reciprocate that and you’re coaching the coaches on what you want,” Patricia continued.
He will need time to determine if he can turn the franchise around. In Week 3, The Lions will take on a 1-1 Patriots team that just lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Patricia will get a chance to test his chops against the coach that taught him about what it takes to run a successful NFL team.
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