Lions: Head Coaching Candidates for New GM to Consider
By Eli Kaplan
Oct 11, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin claps his hands before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Cardinals win 42-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Austin could get an opportunity to coach the Lions should a move be made with Jim Caldwell prior to the end of the season.
He helped orchestrate the Lions resurgence in his first year as defensive coordinator (2014). The defense has taken some steps back this season (currently ranked 26th), but he is also working without the services of Ndamukng Suh (Dolphins), Deandre Levy (injury), and a handful of other injuries to key starters.
He is said to be well liked and respected by his players. He is also respected amongst other NFL teams, as evidenced by head coaching interest he has drawn in recent offseasons. However, Austin’s most extensive head coaching interview could have come, if Jim Caldwell had been fired, as part of Martha Ford’s midseason fire-sale, and Austin had been named interim coach.
The Lions chose not to go that route, so Austin’s first head coaching opportunity may come with another NFL franchise.
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