The Detroit Lions announced on Monday that they have fired their special teams coach Joe Marciano.
“Tonight I spoke to Joe and informed him of my decision to relieve him of his responsibilities with our team,” head coach Matt Patricia said in a statement released by the team. “I appreciate Joe’s leadership of our special teams units over the last three and a half seasons and have great respect for his many years of service as a coach in the National Football League. On behalf of our team and the entire coaching staff, I want to personally thank Joe for his commitment to the Detroit Lions and wish him and his family the best moving forward.”
The move comes a day after Detroit got beat badly by the Minnesota Vikings, losing 24-9 to slip to 3-5 on the season.
Special teams had been an issue for the Lions all season. They have been bad in coverage on kicks and punts all season, while committing penalties and not mustering much of a return game. We specifically mentioned the Lions’ special teams as one of our biggest disappointments in Week 8 — they lost a fumble on a kick return and allowed a first down on a fake punt against Seattle that week.
Marciano was also a holdover from the previous coaching regime, which probably made it easier for Patricia to part ways with him.
