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We're now in the second week of the Detroit Lions' search for a new head coach, and there have been several developments in the last couple days. Here's a recap of where things stand in the Lions' coaching search as of Tuesday afternoon:
Who is interviewing?
The Lions interviewed Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell last Friday. This week, they reportedly have scheduled an interview with former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak for Friday, and they are also expected to speak with San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, although a specific date for that interview is not known at this time.
Additionally, the Lions reportedly requested an interview with Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden, but as of right now he is not scheduled to speak with Detroit.
Bengals OC Jay Gruden scheduled to spend the next 3 days interviewing for head coaching jobs: Titans, Redskins, Vikings
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) January 7, 2014
One other piece of interview news: Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, who was a finalist for the Lions' job in 2009, is not expected to interview with Detroit this time around.
More on Mike Munchak
For his interview on Friday, Munchak is expected to bring Dowell Loggains, his offensive coordinator, with him. Loggains has a connection to one of the Lions' current assistants, and Munchak has some connections with other members of the coaching staff.
From the connections dept. Dowell Loggains, OC coming w/Munchak on the interview, was a QB at Arkansas when Jeremiah Washburn was GA there
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 7, 2014
Mike Munchak also has ties from Tennessee to #Lions DC Gunther Cunningham, DL coach Jim Washburn & DBs coach Marcus Robertson.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 7, 2014
Speaking of Jim Washburn...
According to Dave Birkett, some of the Lions' assistant coaches had their contracts expire on Tuesday, including assistant defensive line coach Jim Washburn. I suppose this means that they are free to pursue other job opportunities, although it's not completely clear who aside from Washburn is now out of their contract. (We do know that offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn is under contract through the 2014 season, though.)
Gary Kubiak in the mix?
Here's a new name in the Lions' coaching search:
One other name to watch with the Lions opening: Gary Kubiak
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 7, 2014
On the Kubiak thing, had 2 people tell me today they heard he might interview with the Lions. Definitely fits the profile they have.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 7, 2014
The Lions seem to be targeting offensive-minded former head coaches. Gary Kubiak is the former head coach of the Houston Texans, and before that he was the Denver Broncos' offensive coordinator, so as Birkett said, he does indeed fit the Lions' profile for their head coaching vacancy.
