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Lions coaching search: Ken Whisenhunt and Martin Mayhew are 'good friends'

Detroit Lions coaching candidate Ken Whisenhunt is "good friends" with general manager Martin Mayhew.

USA TODAY Sports

One of the interesting tidbits about San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is that he was once teammates with Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew. Whisenhunt was a tight end for the Washington Redskins from 1989-90, and Mayhew was a defensive back for the Redskins from 1989-92.

Now, just because two people were once teammates doesn't necessarily mean they are friends. In this case, though, Whisenhunt and Mayhew are actually "good friends," according to Whisenhunt. Dave Birkett was in San Diego on Thursday and spoke with Whisenhunt about Mayhew and the Lions.

Between this and the earlier report that the Lions have "very strong" interest in Whisenhunt, it would be a shock if he doesn't get an interview next week when NFL rules allow the two parties to speak. It would also be a shock if Whisenhunt isn't one of the finalists for the Lions' head coaching vacancy given how much sense it would seemingly make for the team to hire him.

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