So the Lions will have more coaching vacancies to fill this offseason aside from the six that were fired last week.
According to ESPNโs Adam Schefter, defensive coordinator Paul Pasualoni, as well as OL coach Jeff Davidson, have informed the team that they are โstepping away from footballโ.
Interestingly enough, Pasqualoni commented last month that he โhopesโ he coaching for a long timeโ and that he has โno intention of not working.โ
That seems like a complete 180 given the statement Patricia gave regarding Pasqualoni today:
โCoach Pasqualoni notified me this week that he will be stepping away from the Lions to be closer to his family. Coach P is one of the best men Iโve ever been around, on both personal and professional levels. I owe him so much and Iโm grateful of the impact he had on our players, coaches and support staff. He will continue to be a great sounding board for me as a coach, father and leader. I wish him and his family well as they begin the new year together.โ
Meanwhile, Patriciaโs statement on Davidson wasnโt all that different from Pasqualoniโs.
โCoach Davidson recently informed me that he will take an indefinite leave from coaching. Jeff was an invaluable resource to me during the past two seasons and his leadership will be greatly missed. He has left the door open to a coaching return in future years and I fully support his personal decision to spend time away from the game. I thank him for his dedication to our team and wish him and his family all the best.โ
So who knows whatโs going on with this situation. Iโm not really buying the narrative the organization is putting out all things considered. My guess is the Lions gave them an ability to save face with resignation rather than a firing.
Whatever ever though. I could be wrong. The bottom line is the Lions are in a better position now than they were last week when it appeared they would be going into next season with both Pasqualoni and Davidson both in the fold.
