24 hours ago, it looked like the Titans’ offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, could be the top contender for the Detroit Lions coach. Now it looks like they can probably cross it off the list completely.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Smith canceled his second interview with the Lions and is now mainly focused on making a deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Smith met with the Falcons for a second interview on Wednesday and the first with the Eagles on Thursday. It seems that the Falcons don’t want to risk any more interviews. By Dianna Russini of ESPN, the Falcons have already made an offer to Smith.
This leaves Lions in a precarious situation. They haven’t yet conducted a single second interview with any of their candidates, and now, with Robert Saleh recently agreeing to become the next coach of the New York Jets, Detroit’s search is rapidly declining.
Of the remaining coaches available, Lions interviewed only Marvin Lewis, Eric Bieniemy, Darrell Bevell and Dan Campbell. They also have an interview scheduled for the Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, on Friday.
Will the next Lions head coach leave that group of five candidates, or is there a coach hoping that he hasn’t yet publicly joined the fray? There is always a chance that new general manager Brad Holmes will convince Lions to interview Rams defensive coordinator Brandon Staley – Dave Birkett said his name appeared in Detroit’s second interview with Holmes—But Detroit won’t be able to do that until Los Angeles is out of the playoffs. There is also always a chance that Lions will be keeping an eye on someone in college.
Whatever your choice, it seems that some of your main options are landing elsewhere.