When the Detroit Lions opted to fire head coach Jim Caldwell following the 2017 regular season, the organization parted ways with someone who had led the struggling franchise to three-winning seasons and two playoff berths during his four-year tenure. The reason? A continued lack of postseason success.
Lions general manager Bob Quinn was then able to hire his choice for head coach, former defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, Matt Patrica. With three Super Bowl rings in his possession, Patricia went about the business of creating a winning culture in the Motor City. But despite inheriting a playoff-caliber team, the first-time head coach stumbled out of the gate, losing to an inferior New York Jets team in his Week One Motown debut at Ford Field to the tune of 48-17.