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San Francisco’s Saleh Already Frontrunner for Lions’ Job

Jets head coach Robert Saleh speaks on the story of Brian Kelly making him and Matt LaFleur shovel his driveway back in the day

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh talks into his Bose radio headset during the NFL game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals on September 13, 2020, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by MSA/Icon Sportswire)

The Lions are already shopping for a new head coach, and San Francisco’s defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is already in Detroit’s crosshairs.

Five-time All-Pro Richard Sherman spoke highly of his coordinator’s opportunities as a head coach. “I expect him to be a head coach next year because of what he’s able to do,” Sherman told reporters via Zoom. “He’s able to rally men. He’s a leader of men, and that goes a long way.”

In a text conversation with Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Sherman continued his glowing recommendation. “He has to get the Detroit job,” Sherman texted. “He doesn’t just think he has all the answers. He comes up with a great plan and evolves it with his players.”

Detroit fired former New England defensive coordinator Matt Patricia as their head coach after a blowout loss to Houston on Thanksgiving. Patricia went 13-29-1 over three seasons, good for a winning percentage of .314, the worst in Detroit’s history since Rod Marrinelli’s stint from 2006-08.

Dating back to 1930, Detroit has had 27 head coaches in its history. Patricia finished his tenure as the 21st ranked coach for win percentage. Jim Caldwell, for reference, finished as the 5th highest coach in franchise history with a win percentage of .563. He was fired and replaced by Patricia after four years.

Whoever Detroit signs as their new head coach has a difficult task ahead of them. The Lions’ last playoff win was in 1991 with just eight postseason appearances since, all losses. 


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