Prior to the 2018 season, the Detroit Lions had posted winning records for three of the past four seasons with two playoff berths. They appeared to be a team on the cusp of getting their first postseason victory since 1992.
Then, Detroit fired head coach Jim Caldwell after a 9-7 season. In his place, the Lions landed the top head coaching candidate in the New England Patriots’ longtime defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
And it was a rollercoaster rookie season for Patricia in the Motor City. From trying to implement his multiple defensive scheme to attempting to change the culture in Detroit, it was not a smooth transition for the 44-year old.