The changes to Matt Patricia's coaching staff continued on Thursday when the Lions announced defensive coordinator Paul Pasqualoni and offensive line coach Jeff Davidson are "stepping away from football."
Patricia issued the following statements on the two coaches.
On Paul Pasqualoni:
"Coach Pasqualoni notified me this week that he will be stepping away from the Lions to be closer to his family. Coach P is one of the best men I've ever been around, on both personal and professional levels. I owe him so much and I'm grateful of the impact he had on our players, coaches and support staff. He will continue to be a great sounding board for me as a coach, father and leader. I wish him and his family well as they begin the new year together."
On Jeff Davidson:
"Coach Davidson recently informed me that he will take an indefinite leave from coaching. Jeff was an invaluable resource to me during the past two seasons and his leadership will be greatly missed. He has left the door open to a coaching return in future years and I fully support his personal decision to spend time away from the game. I thank him for his dedication to our team and wish him and his family all the best."
Pasqualoni's exit was long expected. He presided over a defense that finished second to last in the NFL this season, though that defense belongs to Patricia more than anyone else.
Davidson, meanwhile, led an offensive line that once again struggled to spark a rushing attack.
Patricia, who has full autonomy of his coaching staff, now has eight positions to fill for 2020. He parted ways with six assistants Wednesday, including special teams coordinator Jon Bonamego and head strength coach Harold Nash.
