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Ex-Lions coach Matt Patricia returning to Patriots' coaching staff

Former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia was fired by the franchise in November. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
Former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia was fired by the franchise in November. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo

Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia is returning to the New England Patriots' coaching staff next season.

League sources told ESPN and NFL Media on Friday that Patricia, who was fired by the Lions in November before the end of his third year with the franchise, will have a new role in New England that will combine scouting and working with the Patriots' coaching staff.

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Patricia was an assistant coach on Bill Belichick's staff from 2004-17 before accepting the Lions' head-coaching job. In Detroit, he posted a 13-29-1 record.

The 46-year-old Patricia most recently served as the Patriots' defensive coordinator from 2012-17. In Patricia's absence, Belichick hasn't given that title to any other coach.

The Patriots posted a 7-9 record in the 2020 season. Detroit finished with a 5-11 mark in Patricia's final year.

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