Patriots’ Patricia to coach Lions

DETROIT — The Detroit Lions hired Matt Patricia as head coach Monday, doubling down on the franchise’s hope it can copy the New England Patriots’ formula for success.

The hiring of the defensive coordinator came a day after the Patriots lost to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl.

“This position comes with great responsibility, and I will commit every ounce of my energy to this football team, starting today,” Patricia said in a statement from the team.

Lions general manager Bob Quinn reunited with someone he worked with in New England for more than a decade.

“He has been preparing for this opportunity his entire career, and he’s ready for the responsibility and its challenges,” Quinn said.

The Lions plan to formally introduce Patricia at a news conference Wednesday.

Quinn fired coach Jim Caldwell last month with a record eight games above .500 over four years and postseason appearances in 2014 and 2016. The Lions went 9-7 this season and missed the playoffs.

Patricia, 43, was the Patriots’ defensive coordinator for six seasons, ending with his unit giving up 41 points and 538 yards to the Eagles.

“Obviously, I didn’t do a good enough job here with the defense,” he told reporters Sunday night. Saints cut Fairley: New Orleans released defensive tackle Nick Fairley with a non-football illness designation after he missed the entire 2017 season because of a heart condition.

Had Fairley been on the roster this season, his 2018 salary and bonus would have been worth $5 million. Doctors diagnosed him with an enlarged heart before last season.