A look at how first-year Detroit Lions head coaches have fared since 1978. Video by Ryan Ford/DFP Wochit
Matt Patricia has been the favorite to succeed Jim Caldwell as Detroit Lions coach since long before Caldwell was fired.
Now, the Lions could be even closer to making it happen.
ESPN reported Sunday that Patricia "likely" will become the Lions' next head coach once the New England Patriots' season is finished.
This has been the widely held belief in NFL circles for some time, though reports last week suggesting that Patricia would favor the vacant New York Giants' job clouded matters.