Matt Patricia by all accounts was a train-wreck of a head coach.  He disrespected players, he disrespected media members and he took what was left of the Detroit Lions soul.  Patricia was obviously the wrong guy to try to lead any NFL team.

Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia were the Batman and Robin of poor upper management. I really struggle to think of anything positive to say about his time here in Detroit.

Until this morning, when I learned that Matt Patricia hired current Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson.

Matt Patricia hired him as an offensive quality control coach in 2019. Johnson was then promoted to tight ends coach, a job he retained when Campbell was hired.

Johnson previously coached wide receivers and tight ends for the Miami Dolphins as part of their staff from 2012 to 2018. He started his coaching career in 2009 as a graduate assistant at Boston College and was part of the Eagles’ staff for three seasons.

Dan Campbell was the interim head coach in Miami in 2015 so he and Ben had a history of working together.  That is part of the reason Dan felt comfortable moving Ben in to OC role last season for the Detroit Lions.

Since then Ben Johnson has become one of the hottest Head Coaching candidates in the NFL. Interviewing with Carolina, Houston and more.

The Detroit Lions are lucky to have him and I guess they have Matt Patricia to thank for that.  I never thought Id say this but “Thank you Matt Patricia”.  At least you did something right with your time in Detroit.

Photo: © Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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By Published On: January 13th, 2023Categories: Detroit Lions, NFL

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