Matt Patricia, listen up ... Cliff Avril says if you want to keep your job as Detroit Lions coach -- PASS ON TUA TAGOVAILOA!!
Don't get it twisted ... the ex-Lions star tells TMZ Sports he thinks Tua's got a bright future -- but he says because of the Bama QB's hip injury, he won't be able to help Detroit this season.
And, considering Patricia NEEDS wins in 2020 to extend his tenure in the Motor City ... Avril's advising him to stick with Matt Stafford and draft someone who can help right away.