| 2020 Detroit Lions season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Sheila Ford Hamp |
| General manager | Vacant (Bob Quinn fired Nov. 28) |
| Head coach | Matt Patricia (fired Nov. 28; 4–7 record) Darrell Bevell (interim; 1–4 record; COVID-19 Week 16) Robert Prince (interim Week 16; 0–1 record) |
| Home field | Ford Field |
| Results | |
| Record | 5–11 |
| Division place | 4th NFC North |
| Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
| Pro Bowlers | TE T. J. Hockenson C Frank Ragnow P Jack Fox |
| AP All-Pros | C Frank Ragnow (2nd team) P Jack Fox (2nd team) |
| Uniform | |
 | |
The 2020 season was the Detroit Lions' 91st in the National Football League (NFL) and their third and final season under head coach Matt Patricia. The Lions improved on their 3–12–1 record from the previous season, but were eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth consecutive year following their loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 15.[1] The Lions finished 5–11, and last place in the NFC North for the third consecutive season. Further, the 2020 Lions defense had one of the worst seasons in NFL history, setting franchise records for points allowed (519, 3rd worst in NFL history) and yards allowed (6,716, 3rd worst in NFL history) in a season, both marks topping the 2008 team.[2]
2020 would mark Matthew Stafford’s twelfth and final year with Detroit, as he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and three draft picks on January 31, 2021.[3]
On June 23, 2020, Detroit Lions' principal owner Martha Firestone Ford stepped down, passing ownership to her daughter Sheila Ford Hamp.[4][5]
Following the Lions' Thanksgiving Day loss to the Houston Texans, both Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn were fired and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell took over as interim head coach.[6][7] Patricia finished his tenure in Detroit with a record of 13–29–1 (.314).[8] Additionally, the Lions fired special teams coordinator Brayden Coombs on December 21.[9]
- ^ Payton, Mike (December 20, 2020). "Detroit Lions vs. Tennessee Titans: What Just Happened?". prideofdetroit.com. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
- ^ Birkett, Dave (January 3, 2020). "Detroit Lions solidify worst defense in franchise history with 37-35 loss to Vikings". Freep.com. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
- ^ "Lions acquire QB Jared Goff via trade with Los Angeles Rams". Detroit Lions. March 18, 2021. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- ^ Birkett, Dave (June 23, 2020). "Sheila Ford Hamp to take over as Detroit Lions owner and chairman". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (June 23, 2020). "Lions owner Martha Ford stepping down, will be succeeded by daughter". NFL.com. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ "Detroit Lions fire head coach Matt Patricia, general manager Bob Quinn". NFL.com. November 28, 2020. Retrieved November 28, 2020.
- ^ Twentyman, Tim. "Lions announce changes at head coach & GM". www.detroitlions.com. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ "Detroit Lions fire coach Matt Patricia, GM Bob Quinn". ESPN.com. November 28, 2020. Retrieved November 29, 2020.
- ^ Lions Fire Special Teams Coordinator Brayden Coombs Sports Illustrated Fan Nation, December 21, 2020