Allen Park -- Prior to hiring Matt Patricia, the Detroit Lions wanted to talk to Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. He was set to be one of the team's seven interviews for the job opening, before he pulled out of the process.
Wilks ultimately landed in Arizona, hired to lead the Cardinals. That announcement came two weeks before the Lions were able to formally introduce Patricia, due to the New England Patriots making the Super Bowl.
Why did Wilks withdraw his name for consideration in Detroit? He saw the writing on the wall.
"It was one of those things that you know just from history -- the New England connection and whatnot," Wilks said in a conference call with Detroit media on Wednesday.