With two more teams eliminated from the NFL postseason, coaching searches around the League continue to take shape. Unfortunately however yesterdays outcomes could have little affect when it comes to new hires this upcoming week.
Today’s games though may be a different story.
Matt Patricia to the Lions?
Sunday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is now ‘expected’ to become the next head coach of the Lions going back on a MMQB report from last week stating that Patricia was the clear favorite with the Giants.
Patriots’ DC Matt Patricia now likely to be the Lions’ next HC, per sources:https://t.co/0BukUuffgc https://t.co/6HNBsTkNQk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 14, 2018
What could be a clear indication of this being true is Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel still being the DC in Houston.
If the Lions were sure they were going to lose Patricia to the Giants, you’d think they’d jump on the opportunity to sign Vrabel and get started looking towards next season and the Draft. Vrabel as we know is free to sign given Houston not being in the playoffs plus the Lions haven’t brought in any other candidates to interview, including Steve Wilks of the Carolina Panthers.
They could hire Mike Vrabel at any time. They haven’t brought Wilks in for an interview. Do we really need a roadmap? https://t.co/n91jAf0jl3
— JeffMossDSR (@JeffMossDSR) January 12, 2018
Unfortunately however for the Lions, with the Patriots beating the Titans in Saturday night’s AFC Divisional Round game, they’ll have to wait at least another week to sign Patricia as New England prepares for Conference Championship Game against either the Jaguars or Steelers.
Josh McDaniels is the ‘clear favorite’ with the Colts
The Indianapolis seem to have a similar mindset as the Lions when it comes to their next head coach which is going after a Patriots coordinator.
Instead of Patricia though, the Colts have their eyes set on New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that McDaniels is ‘likely’ to land with the Colts and that former Cowboys linebackers coach Matt Eberflus could very well join him in Indy as his defensive coordinator.
One name to watch with #Patriots OC Josh McDaniels and his next destination (likely #Colts): #Cowboys LBs coach Matt Eberflus is his top choice as DC. Eberflus is a free agent.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2018
Again like Lions, the Colts will have to wait to make a move on McDaniels given the Patriots still being in the playoffs.
A Vikings loss could paint a better picture of the NFL coaching search this week
If the Vikings lose to the Saints in their NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Saints today, we may further gain insight on how other openings around the League will shape up. Again according to Rapoport, the Giants’ No. 2 option is Minnesota offensive coordinator Pat Shumur who New York could jump on in the immediate wake of the Vikings falling to New Orleans to prevent other teams from pulling the rug out from underneath their feet. One of those other teams possibly in on Shumur could be the Arizona Cardinals.
As #Vikings OC Pat Shurmur's team takes the field today, he remains a strong candidate for the #Giants job. If his team loses, NYG could move quickly. His staff is ready. #Panthers DC Steve Wilks remains a strong candidate, as well.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 14, 2018
If Shumur is hired in New York, well then it would seem further certain that Patricia will end up with the Lions. If that doesn’t happen then we’re likely to see a bidding war for the services of the Patriots defensive coordinator between New York and Detroit.
