Lions Shrug Hard Knocks Duty Onto Raiders Amid HBO Rumors

Detroit has good reason to avoid a Hard Knocks appearance. The last three teams to appear on the show combined for a 16–31–2 record.

The Lions are one of five teams who could be forced to participate in the HBO program Hard Knocks in 2019, but coach Matt Patricia thinks another team would be a perfect fit for the show.

"I think Jon Gruden is an excellent choice for that show," Lions coach Matt Patricia told ESPN. "I think the Oakland Raiders and everything they've got going on right now would be fantastic viewing for everybody to watch."

Detroit general manager Bob Quinn shared a similar sentiment. "Nobody wants to do it," Quinn said. "Except Oakland."

Detroit has good reason to avoid a Hard Knocks appearance. The last three teams to appear on the show combined for a 16–31–2 record, with Cleveland finishing 7–8–1 in 2018. Browns coach Hue Jackson was fired two months after his time on the show. 

The Lions finished last in the NFC North in 2018 at 6–10.