Detroit Lions: Teryl Austin finds good landing spot in Cincinnati Bengals

The former Detroit Lions coordinator accepted a position to take over the reins of the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive unit this week.

The writing was on the wall for Detroit Lions‘ defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.

He was never going to be the team’s next head coach and, given the overwhelming majority of defensive-minded candidates the Lions planned to interview, was never going to be retained in his current capacity.

In recent years, Austin interviewed for numerous head coaching vacancies. Though he was passed over for those positions, his time in Detroit has him regarded as one of the better defensive minds in the league.

Austin’s four-year tenure with the Lions was generally a successful one. His defense regressed this season, particularly with stopping the run, mainly due to injuries and a lack of depth along the defensive line. In spite of that, the Lions finished third in the league in takeaways (32).

Additionally, Austin showed that he is capable of building an elite defensive unit with the right talent, and certainly able to develop young defensive backs – a necessity in today’s NFL.

It is not surprising that several teams sought him out to run their defense, including the Green Bay Packers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Lions blocked the Packers’ interview request, leaving Austin with an interesting choice.

In terms of a career move, Austin could not have landed in a better situation than he did with the Bengals.

You’re probably asking yourself, “The Bengals? Why the Bengals?”

It’s about opportunity, and Austin sees the writing on the wall just as clearly as he did with the Lions.

The Raiders just signed head coach Jon Gruden to a ten-year contract. Needles to say: they will not be in the market for a new head coach anytime soon. For a man who wants to become a head coach in the NFL, the Bengals are easily Austin’s best bet.

Head coach Marvin Lewis‘ job security is tenuous at best, regardless of the new two-year deal he received this past week. Fans are unhappy with him. The team is regressing.

Next: Lions look like front-runners for Matt Patricia

To top it all off, in 15 seasons at the helm, Lewis’ success has translated into exactly zero playoff wins. If that doesn’t change in year sixteen, he’ll find himself unemployed. Mark it down – this time next year, Teryl Austin will be the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals.