NFL side Detroit Lions hide secret message in head coaching announcement

Matt Patricia has been named as the head coach of the Detroit Lions. Photo / Getty

The NFL's Detroit Lions named New England Patriots defensive co-ordinator Matt Patricia as their new head coach on Monday — and their social media team seized the moment.

Patricia had been in the running for the post for several weeks but the move could not be made official until after the Patriots' Super Bowl appearance.

Which positioned the Lions' Twitter account for a unique announcement.

The #Lions have hired Matt Patricia as the franchise’s new head coach: https://t.co/Al0meXH4Ur pic.twitter.com/AYa2IYRidT

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

#OnePride pic.twitter.com/KkRWyvsfwW

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

Take a look at the full statement from #Lions EVP/GM Bob Quinn: https://t.co/Al0meXH4Ur

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

Owner Martha Firestone Ford's statement on the hiring of Matt Patricia: https://t.co/KSVwCXGpTT pic.twitter.com/wD93PKEXTy

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

A statement from #Lions President Rod Wood: "We met with several very impressive candidates, but Matt really stood out in his interview and clearly became the best choice for this job." pic.twitter.com/YLyi6F2fI1

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

For @RodWood_Lions' full statement on the hiring of Matt Patricia: https://t.co/CQBxUZnFvG

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

Read a statement from new #Lions head coach Matt Patricia: https://t.co/9B9wWAwnh6 pic.twitter.com/uNx3sTSux6

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

In 1996, Matt Patricia's love of coaching began at @RPI.

🗞: https://t.co/0rYEgojVT0 pic.twitter.com/au7QhoLwKj

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

Check out 6️⃣ things to know about new #Lions head coach Matt Patricia: https://t.co/O6Gt9SBml0 pic.twitter.com/PYsogcd8AB

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

A press conference introducing new #Lions head coach Matt Patricia will be live streamed on https://t.co/2dJ93li0RM at 3 p.m. ET Wednesday. pic.twitter.com/fLiydVdV9e

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) February 5, 2018

Ten posts about one announcement might seem excessive, but if you go back and read the first letter of each tweet you'll discover the genius in the Lions' work.

Patricia's signed on February 5, which was the 35th anniversary of Toto's Africa reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Clever.

Patricia is joining the Lions after spending the last 14 seasons with the Pats, who were left contemplating the possible end of an era after an upset 41-33 loss in the Super Bowl to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In Detroit, Patricia is replacing Jim Caldwell, who was fired January 11 after he posted a 36-28 record over four seasons.

During his tenure working for head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots won three of their five Super Bowl titles and had six American Football Conference titles.

Patricia also interviewed for jobs with the New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.