The New England Patriots might lose key members of their coaching staff in the offseason, according to numerous reports. According to Alex Marvez of Sporting News, Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia could be headed to the Detroit Lions as a replacement for head coach Jim Caldwell. Marvez said Caldwell could be replaced as head coach after the Lions (8-7) missed the playoffs following their 26-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The Lions expressed interest in Patricia last season before deciding to sign Caldwell to a one-year contract extension to remain as head coach.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn and Patricia have obvious ties, as they worked together with the Patriots for several years.

The 43-year-old Patricia started his NFL coaching career as an offensive assistant for the Patriots in 2004. Since then, he assumed several positions with the Patriots, including assistant offensive line coach, linebackers coach, and safeties coach. In 2012, he was promoted to defensive coordinator. This season, the Patriots ranked 29th in total yards allowed per game, 26th in rushing yards allowed, 30th in passing yards allowed and 6th in total points allowed.

Patriots could lose Josh McDaniels too

Aside from Patricia, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports said the Patriots could also lose offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in the offseason.

La Canfora expects McDaniels and Patricia to have numerous interviews in the bye week and in the offseason for head coaching jobs elsewhere. Earlier, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated (SI) wrote in his column that Patriots vice president of player personnel Nick Caserio might leave the team and replace Jerry Reese as general manager of the New York Giants.

Also, Breer raised the possibility that Caserio might hire McDaniels as head coach, replacing Ben McAdoo. In separate conference calls, McDaniels and Patricia both downplayed reports of them leaving the Patriots, saying they are focused on their upcoming game against the New York Jets, per WEEI.

McDaniels a long-time Patriot

McDaniels started his NFL coaching career as a personnel assistant with the Patriots in 2001 and worked his way up to defensive coaching assistant and quarterbacks coach before he was promoted to offensive coordinator after the 2005 season. He was hired by the Denver Broncos as head coach in 2009, but he was fired after the 2010 season after a combined 11-17 record. He was hired by the St. Louis Rams as offensive coordinator in 2011 before he assumed his old position with the Patriots in 2012. This season, the Patriots’ offense leads the league in total yards per game with 398.5 yards, and passing yards with an average of 282.3 per game.
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