New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is expected to become the next head coach of the Detroit Lions, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Detroit and Patricia need only to work out contract details once the Patriots' season ends, Schefter adds.

Patricia and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are front-runners for the four current head-coaching openings. The duo helped lead New England to a divisional-round win over the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night.

Patricia has been with New England since 2004 and its defensive coordinator since 2012.