New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is linked to reports that he might join the Detroit Lions as head coach next season. However, Patricia said during a conference call that his mindset is not into it right now, saying his focus is on their Week 17 game against the New York Jets on Sunday. “There’s nothing really there to even discuss. Right now it's all about the Jets,” said the 43-year-old Patricia, who has been the Patriots’ defensive coordinator since 2012. Amid the head coaching opportunities waiting for him in the offseason, Patricia said he is 100 percent committed to the Patriots to help the team win every week.
“I think that we really need to make sure that we're doing everything we can to get ready to beat the Jets this weekend,” added Patricia, who started his NFL coaching career as an offensive assistant with the Patriots in 2004. Earlier, Alex Marvez of Sporting News reported that Patricia could be headed to the Lions to replace head coach Jim Caldwell, whose job is on the line after failing to lead the team to the playoffs. The Lions slipped to 8-7 after their 26-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
Josh McDaniels to wait until offseason
Aside from Patricia, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could also be a target for other teams for their head coaching positions. However, McDaniels said he will focus on possible job interviews in the offseason.
“That’s something that will take care of itself once the season is over,” said McDaniels, who had a two-year stint as head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2009 to 2010. As of now, McDaniels said he is focused on their Sunday clash with the Jets (5-10). Like Patricia, McDaniels started his NFL coaching career with the Patriots as a personnel assistant in 2001.
Patriots coaches wary of Jets
The Patriots (12-3) need a win over the Jets to secure home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Both Patricia and McDaniels are wary of the Jets’ capability to pull off an upset in their Week 17 clash. In their first meeting, the Patriots escaped with a close 24-17 win over the Jets where Josh McCown torched them for 354 yards and two touchdowns.
However, the Jets will have a new quarterback in Bryce Petty when they take on the Patriots on Sunday. According to Patricia, the Jets have a lethal combination on offense and defense, that if overlooked, could surprise the Patriots. McDaniels said the Jets are a huge challenge as they play the same way the Patriots do. "They know us pretty good. We know them pretty good, and it will be a tough, hard-fought division game," said McDaniels.
