Lions Fire 6 Coaches After Disappointing 2019 Season
By Mark Powell
Happy New Year! You're fired.
While Matt Patricia will hold onto his coaching job heading into the 2020 season, several of his assistants weren't as lucky.
On Tuesday, Patricia and the Lions announced that six assistant coaches have been relieved of their duties.
The #Lions have fired special teams coordinator John Bonamego and assistants Al Golden, Rodney Hill, Harold Nash, Brian Stewart and Chris White. https://t.co/7kQib5HyKX
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 31, 2019
"These decisions are never easy and I’m thankful for the effort these men gave our team. I will continue to evaluate our entire operation in the coming days and weeks and will always make decisions in the best interest of the team. I wish these coaches the best in their future endeavors,” Patricia and the Lions said in a statement.
Patricia is getting a pass this season in part due to the injury to franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Georgia product is paid handsomely like one of the best signal-callers in the NFL, and just as he was finally beginning to play up to that potential, he went down with a back injury.
The Lions released a statement from Matt Patricia announcing the release of 6 assistants:
— Tori Petry (@sportstori) December 31, 2019
ST coordinator John Bonamego
Strength coach Harold Nash
Assistant strength coach Rodney Hill
DB coach Brian Stewart
LB coach Al Golden
TE coach Chris White
The Fords have made clear their displeasure with the product on the field in 2019, injuries or not.