Patriots Face Loss of Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia to Lions

As New England reels from Belichick-Brady feud reports, team braces for coaching defection.

New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia waves towards the stands after they defeated the Miami Dolphins 34-17. The New England Patriots hosted the Miami Dolphins in a regular season NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on Nov. 26, 2017. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia waves towards the stands after they defeated the Miami Dolphins 34-17. The New England Patriots hosted the Miami Dolphins in a regular season NFL football game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on Nov. 26, 2017. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

While much attention has been focused on whether or not head coach Bill Belichick will leave New England after an explosive ESPN report of a feud with star quarterback Tom Brady, the team is bracing for a more immediate coaching loss. Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is expected to leave the team to assume head coaching duties with the Detroit Lions after the Pats wrap their run at yet another Super Bowl, according to NBC Sports. Patricia, one of the hottest coaching candidates going into the offseason, has a connection to Lions G.M. Bob Quinn, who previously worked for the Patriots.

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