WASHINGTON — Detroit Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford said on Tuesday that coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn will return next season, but demanded NFL success from them in 2020.

The Lions, who haven't won a playoff game since the 1991 season and haven't won the NFL crown since 1957, are 3-10 with one drawn, ensured of a worse finish than last year's 6-10 showing in Patricia's first season as coach.

"We expect to be a playoff contender," Ford said in a posting on the team website. "That means playing meaningful games in December."

The Lions have lost seven games in a row entering their final two games, Sunday at Denver and Dec. 29 at home against Green Bay.

Detroit, which last won a division title in the 1993 season, has lost nine consecutive playoff games.

The Lions will have a high selection in next year's NFL Draft and have enough money under the NFL salary cap to bring a top free agent to Detroit next season.

Detroit led in each of the first 12 games this season but could seldom maintain the edge. — AFP