(WXYZ) -- Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is "likely" to become the next Lions head coach, according to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday.
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
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer followed up with a report Sunday night that the Lions have informed their other candidates that they are out of the running.
Per sources, Lions have informed other candidates they’ve been eliminated from the search, moving forward with the expectation Matt Patricia will be their head coach when the Patriots season ends. So that job is officially off the board.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 15, 2018
Detroit initially interviewed Patricia on January 5. A report the following day stated that the Patriots were "bracing for Patricia to leave," likely to take the Lions job. However, a New York Daily News report on January 10 indicated that Patricia favored the Giants opening over the Lions opening.
Under NFL rules, the Lions would be unable to officially hire or negotiate a contract with Patricia until the Patriots' season is over. New England is playing in the AFC Championship Game on January 21.
