Schefter: Matt Patricia is likely to become the next Detroit Lions head coach

After weeks of waiting, we finally have our first big update in the Detroit Lions head coaching search. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is expected to land in Detroit:

“Patricia and the Lions still need to agree to and work out the contract details after the Patriots’ season ends,” Schefter reports. “Assuming the two sides can do that, Patricia then would become the Lions’ next head coach, reuniting with former Patriots’ personnel man and current Lions’ general manager Bob Quinn.”

Schefter is probably the most reliable source in the NFL, so it may be time to break out the champagne (if Patricia is your guy).

Obviously, the Lions cannot come to any sort of agreement with Patricia until the Patriots are out of the playoffs. With a New England win on Saturday, that means the Lions cannot even interview Patricia again for at least another week. However, even if the Patriots win the AFC Championship game, the Lions could interview Patricia again the extra week before the Super Bowl, but they would not be able to hire him until New England is eliminated.

The news suggest that the New York Giants are either out on Patricia or the Patriots defensive coordinator selected the Lions over the Giants, contrary to reports that he favored the Giants job.

We’ll continue to follow this situation as news breaks.