Assessing the Detroit Lions' Coaching Search: Who Is the Frontrunner?

The Detroit Lions' freshly promoted front office have laid the groundwork for the type of coach they are looking for: namely a quality coach that will agree to come in and earn a big paycheck rather than getting a huge payday prior to turning things around.

They were adamant about the fact that they weren't going to throw a lot of money to a new head coach and that the coach will not have a say in personnel matters.

Those particular restrictions tend to automatically rule out certain prospects, like Mike Shanahan and other established guys.

They have already interviewed or intend to interview Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator; Steve Spagnuolo, New York Giants defensive coordinator; Leslie Frazier, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator; Jim Schwartz, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, Miami Dolphins Asst. Head Coach; and Jerry Gray, Washington Redskins secondary coach. They also requested permission to speak with San Diego Chargers Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera but were turned down until after the season.

Jerry Gray, who interviewed after Spagnuolo, and said "They're going to interview the rest of the guys and to me that's only fair because you want to get it right. The position they're in, they want to get it right. You take as long as you need. To me, you got to be thorough.”

Bowles doesn't have any head coaching or coordinator experience, and I believe that after not achieving positive results with Rod Marinelli, they will be looking for someone with that experience as a minimum.

Jerry Gray was a defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills but I believe he is being brought in by Mayhew based on thier previous relationship and not as a top candidate.

The candidates that I feel are realistic possibilities are profiled below with the current pulse or rumor mill, the coaches resume, and the likeliness that the Lions hire that particular individual.

Please leave your comments on my assessments of the coaches and whether you think I am on track with the predictions/probabilities.

1. Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator/Tennessee Titans

Pulse

The veteran defensive coach has been in this position many times and had interviews in previous seasons for head coaching vacancies with the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins. Known as one of the better coaches in the league and is on many teams radars.

Resume

Became Tennessee's defensive coordinator in 2001. Is known for playing aggressive schemes and always fielding a stingy defense that doesn't allow much in the way of yardage or points. During his tenure as defensive coordinator, two statistics have been at the heart of the team’s success—third-down defense and rushing defense.

Over the last seven seasons, the Titans rank sixth in the league in third-down defense (36.3 percent conversion rate) and eighth in the league in rushing defense (105 yards per game). Currently, the Titans defense have allowed only eight 100-yard rushers in the last 56 home games.

Also has experience as a college and pro scout.

Likeliness

I think this is a distinct possibility. The Lions had trouble against the run and also weren't great at getting off of the field on third down. These are Schwartz's strong points.

Also, one potential target for the Lions in Free Agency is Albert Haynesworth, who has flourished under Schwartz in Tennessee. The hiring of Schwartz makes that signing a likelihood rather than an outside possibility.

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