The New England Patriots are expected to lose their offensive and defensive coordinators as Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia are expected to be named as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and the Detroit Lions, respectively. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Patricia is set to be named Lions head coach, days after Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported that the Patriots defensive coordinator will join the New York Giants. Art Stapleton of The Record said the Giants were hesitant to name Patricia as their favorite because Patricia might choose the Lions over them.

The Giants even called Patricia picking the Lions as a “blow.” The Lions will have to wait until the Patriots’ playoff run to end before they can talk about any contract details with Patricia. In Detroit, Patricia will be reunited with Lions general manager Bob Quinn, an executive with the Patriots. Patricia started his NFL coaching career with the Patriots in 2004. Patricia will replace Jim Caldwell who was fired after the Lions fell short of the playoffs.

McDaniels to Colts?

McDaniels, for his part, is favored to take the helm of the Colts. The team fired Chuck Pagano after a disappointing season in which quarterback Andrew Luck did not play a down due to a shoulder injury. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, McDaniels has already talked to potential assistant coaches of his plans to become a head coach after this season ends.

McDaniels was also a finalist for the Giants’ head-coaching job together with Patricia and Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, Pat Shurmur. McDaniels had previous head-coaching experience with the Denver Broncos from 2009 to 2010, where he coached quarterback Tim Tebow. If he joins the Colts, McDaniels will have a more successful quarterback in Luck, once his shoulder injury is fully healed.

Like Patricia, McDaniels also began his NFL coaching career in 2004.

Flores to Cardinals?

Linebackers coach Brian Flores is expected to replace Patricia as defensive coordinator. However, Flores could also become a head coach for the Arizona Cardinals, as a replacement for Bruce Arians, who recently announced his retirement.

Schefter said Flores is very much in play for the vacant position. He was interviewed by the Cardinals last weekend. Aside from Flores, the Cardinals are also eyeing Pat Shurmur, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak and current Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher.
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