Did the Lions Pass on the Next Great NFL Coach?

The Lions interviewed Mike Vrabel before hiring current head coach Matt Patricia

Did Lions general manager Bob Quinn pass on hiring the next great NFL head coach?

After Jim Caldwell was let go following the 2017 season, Quinn & Co. began the process of searching for the franchise's next head coach.  

Quinn believed that the organization had peaked under the leadership of Caldwell. 

It was time to take the next step. Just making the playoffs was no longer the goal. 

Many felt that Caldwell simply could not reach those high-end goals. 

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel  / © Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Former NFL linebacker Mike Vrabel was the third candidate to interview for the Lions' head coaching vacancy. 

Then-Detroit defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter had interviewed prior.

During the hiring process, many people across the country became infatuated with Vrabel. 

Two years ago, Peter King of MMQB wrote: "Overall, the enthusiasm about Vrabel stems from these facts: He played on winning teams and knows what it takes to win; he carries a lot of Bill Belichick with him from eight years as a Patriot; he has a commanding presence in front of players; and he's seen as a unifier who can help build a winner. Fair or unfair, that's his rep in NFL circles at the start of this hiring process. Don't underestimate the Belichick connection."

Ultimately, Quinn decided to hire a coach with more experience and someone he had a much closer personal relationship with. 

Matt Patricia was the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots for six seasons prior to being named Detroit's coach. 

Fast forward two years, and both Patricia and Quinn are firmly on the hot seat with fans and Lions upper management. 

Detroit's defense was ineffective the majority of the 2019 season. 

More worrisome, there are very few signs that Patricia's scheme will produce its intended results in 2020.

Ownership is clearly unhappy that the organization has taken steps backward under Patricia's leadership. A mandate was given for the team to be in playoff contention next season. 

Meanwhile, Vrabel and the Titans have defeated the Patriots and Baltimore Ravens -- and both on the road -- in the postseason. 

Vrabel was credited with creating a gameplan that effectively limited the production of the Ravens' offensive attack Saturday, including Baltimore quarterback and likely regular season MVP Lamar Jackson. 

Then, there was Vrabel's decision to change direction at quarterback after Week 7. 

The Titans possessed a record of just 2-4, and he made the bold decision to sit Marcus Mariota in favor of Ryan Tannehill. 

The offense was in disarray, and Vrabel made the tough call. 

He explained that he was trying to spark the offense, and was hoping Tannehill would provide more stability under center than Mariota.

"We're trying to get a little spark, trying to evaluate what we're doing and how we're functioning as an offense," Vrabel said. "It just felt like now was the time. And sitting at that game -- sitting where I was -- (I) made the decision during the game and then was just able to think about it, evaluate it and make a decision to try to spark the offense. To try to do something to get us going, to score some points and to help us win." 

As the two franchises have moved in opposite directions the past two seasons, it's made Quinn's decision to hire Patricia that much more questionable. 

Do you think the Lions hired the wrong coach? Let your voice be heard by commenting below.

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