Earlier this week, the Lions introduced new head coach Matt Patricia, and now they have announced an extension with general manager Bob Quinn.
Both contracts are set to run through the 2022 season, providing the team with some stability over the next five years. More importantly, it lets Matt Patricia know the franchise is united behind him.
Former head coach Jim Caldwell underwent an organizational house cleaning of sorts during his second season with the team in 2015. The Lions fired former G.M. Martin Mayhew — the man that hired Caldwell — along with vice president Tom Lewand and some others halfway through the year.
When Quinn was hired, most assumed Caldwell would be the next to go and that Quinn would bring in his own head coach. However, the team went 6-2 down the stretch, then made the playoffs the following year which prompted Quinn to keep Caldwell.
After this season’s 9-7 debacle, Quinn felt it was time to make the change and brought his former New England coworker aboard.
It’s important to note, however, that just like Mayhew and Caldwell, the Quinn-Patricia pairing will only last as long as they are successful. Caldwell was given an extension before Week 3 of this season, yet was fired after a Week 17 win.
Whether or not it works out, the Lions are making the right move in trying to create stability. Don’t believe me? Just ask the Cleveland Browns.
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