Thus far, the Lions’ GM search has generated more headlines than their hunt for a new head coach, but their HC pursuit will soon kick into high gear. Detroit started that process by interviewing longtime Bengals HC Marvin Lewis several days ago, as Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com report.
[RELATED: Lions to pursue Seahawks GM John Schneider]
Lewis interviewed with the Texans for their HC vacancy last month, so the 62-year-old appears to be firmly back on the NFL radar. He currently serves as the co-defensive coordinator on Herm Edwards‘ staff at Arizona State.
The defensive acumen that he displayed while working as the Ravens’ DC from 1996-01 helped Lewis secure the Cincinnati gig in 2003, a position he held for 16 seasons. Though his 0-7 record in the postseason has garnered plenty of attention and ultimately contributed to Lewis’ ouster, the fact that he got the formerly moribund Bengals to the playoffs seven times during his tenure was in and of itself a major accomplishment.
Detroit is considering a wide variety of candidates for its HC post. Robert Saleh, the current 49ers defensive coordinator, is said to be high atop the team’s wish-list, but the Lions are also considering offensive-minded coaches. Chiefs offensive coordinator and hot commodity Eric Bieniemy is a target, as is Titans OC Arthur Smith.
Peter Schrager of the NFL Network reports that Saleh, Bieniemy, and interim HC Darrell Bevell are expected to interview this week (Twitter link).
Wonder if this is actual interest, or just a Rooney rule interview
They are also interviewing Saleh and Bienemy, who are minorities, so this is in all likelihood a real interview and Lewis is a real candidate.
That’s true
Marvin is a good coach … maybe another environment would do him well. As a Bengal fan he just became stale and was just noise. I think there’s legit interest. He struggled in the playoffs but wasn’t bad otherwise.
Saleh would be the move to make.
My all time favorite coach George Allen was just 2-7 in playoffs but it didn’t keep him out of the Hall of Fame. I’d like to see both Marvin Lewis and Lovie Smith back in the NFL.
If you hire a coach before a GM you are not trying to win
Saleh’s D got the crap kicked out of it for a few games recently—shades of Patricia.
Saleh’s defense was injured, Patricia’s was just pathetic.