Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni stepped down Thursday after coaching one of the NFLs worst defenses throughout the 2019 season.
The 70-year-old Pasqualoni was one of the first hires made by Lions coach Matt Patricia in February 2018, and he had been a sounding board for the coach throughout his time with Detroit.
Pasqualoni and offensive line coach Jeff Davidson, who also stepped down Thursday, mark the seventh and eighth coaches who have left the Lions since the season ended Sunday.
Six coaches — including special teams coordinator John Bonamego and their two main strength and conditioning coaches — were fired Tuesday.
Detroit now has to replace its defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, tight ends coach, offensive line coach, linebackers coach, defensive backs coach and the strength staff. Of Patricia’s original staff, only defensive line coach Bo Davis and receivers coach Robert Prince are staying.
The Lions said Pasqualoni is resigning to be closer to his family and Davidson is taking “an indefinite leave from coaching” and has left open the possibility of returning to coaching in the future.
“Coach P is one of the best men I’ve ever been around, on both personal and professional levels,” Patricia said in a statement. “I owe him so much and I’m grateful of the impact he had on our players, coaches and support staff.
The Lions ranked No. 31 in yards per game (400.4), No. 32 in passing yards per game allowed (284.4) and No. 21 in rushing yards per game allowed (115.9). They also had issues forcing turnovers and creating pressure with a league-worst 1.1% interception rate and sacking quarterbacks on 4.6% of their dropbacks, No. 31 in the league. They also allowed 26.44 points per match, which ranked 26th in the NFL.
In Week 12 versus Washington, Patricia was spotted during many defensive plays with the laminated play sheet covering his mouth while he was talking into the microphone. Pasqualoni, meanwhile, was often silent during the times when defensive calls would be relayed in.
