49ers defensive coordinator and Dearborn native Robert Saleh was the early frontrunner for next head coach of the Lions. Not anymore.
Based on reports Monday and Tuesday, it sounds like the Lions prefer multiple candidates over Saleh. And it sounds like Saleh is most likely to end up with the Jets.
The Jets are bringing in Saleh for a second interview on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. He becomes the first known finalist for the job in New York.
The NFL Network's Mike Garafolo adds 'it might be Jets or bust' for Saleh, who was 'initially thought to be a lock for the Lions.'
What changed?
The Lions apparently weren't blown away by Saleh in his interview last week. According to the Free Press, Darrell Bevell's interview went better than that of Saleh. The Lions are also said to be fond of Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell after his interview on Monday.
Campbell, 44, has been with the Saints since 2016, also serving as the team's tight ends coach. A former tight end himself, he enjoyed an 11-year NFL career and played for the Lions from 2006-08. He was interim head coach of the Dolphins in 2015 when the team went 5-7.
Detroit is completing its second wave of interviews this week, with Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. Former Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis and Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy are also in the running.
At this point, it's hard to say who has the inside lane. Only that it no longer belongs to Saleh.
