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Newly minted Detroit Lions Coach Matt Patricia says he plans to run the team with a "blue collar mentality" and "represent the toughness of this city." He also called Matt Stafford a tremendous quarterback.
But the real news at an Allen Park media briefing is that Patricia cleans up well. The trademark mountain man beard is trimmed. His customary casual attire is replaced, at least for the press conference, with a suit and tie. With all that, the trademark pencil in his right ear was still there.
That transformation didn't go unnoticed. A reporter said: "Congratulations on not botching the beard trimming."
Patricia lauded General Manager Bob Quinn, who worked with him in New England.
He addressed the question about the quick transition to Detroit.
"It's really been crazy. We traveled back from Minnesota on Monday, got in and regrouped as a family. Tuesday was a go to New England, get a chance to see the guys that played for me and thank them for all of their hard work. I got an opportunity to tell everyone how much they meant to me over the last 14 years. It was very much love and support. Getting here, unbelievable welcome from the Ford family. It's been pretty amazing."
