The Detroit Lions on Monday formally named Vernon-Verona-Sherill Central School graduate Matt Patricia the team’s new head coach.
Raised in Sherill, Patricia, 43, lettered in football and wrestling. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I.), where he played guard and center. He has a degree in aeronautical engineering from R.P.I., according to a Lions news release.
After graduating, Patricia was a graduate assistant at R.P.I. then worked two years as an aeronautical engineer. He came to Syracuse University as a graduate assistant in 2001, before heading to Amherst College where he coached the defensive line.
Patricia joined the New England Patriots in 2004 as a coaching assistant. He rose through the ranks to become defensive coordinator in 2012. His 14-year coaching career with the Patriots ended with Sunday’s 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Patricia is married with three children.
Contact McChesney at cmcchesney@cnybj.com
Photo credit: Patriots website coaching staff roster