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Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin reportedly interviewed with the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday for their vacancy at the same position. The move required permission from the Lions, considering it was a lateral move. Though the Lions reportedly gave the Bengals permission, they did not offer the same courtesy to the Green Bay Packers.
According to both NFL Network and ESPN, the Lions have blocked the Packers’ request to interview Austin for their defensive coordinator position.
I'm told the #Lions have denied Teryl Austin, who is still under contract as the team's defensive coordinator, permission to interview with the #Packers, per source.
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 5, 2018
That was fast. The #Lions are blocking defensive coordinator Teryl Austin from interviewing with the #Packers. Perhaps when they hire a HC…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2018
This move seems simlutaneously smart and petty. Obviously, you never want to help out a division rival unless it’s absolutely necessary, but considering Detroit literally just gave the Bengals permission for the same thing, it’s a bit unfair for Austin.
That being said, if things move quickly for the Lions, there’s a good chance Austin will be relieved of his duties from Detroit anyways, and then the Packers would have a shot at him without needing permission from Detroit. Of course, Green Bay may already have the position filled by then.
Earlier in the day we polled Lions fans to see if they wanted Austin back in Detroit in any capacity in 2018. Only 32 percent of fans said yes.