After Ken Whisenhunt agreed to become the next coach of the Tennessee Titans Monday night, the NFL coaching dominos are beginning to fall into place.
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator and former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell has reportedly moved to the forefront of the Detroit Lions’ wish list. According to ESPN, Caldwell has received endorsements from former Colts coach Tony Dungy and Denver Broncos quarter Peyton Manning, both of whom worked with Caldwell during their time in Indy.
If Caldwell should wind up getting the job, former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel could be named to his staff, ESPN reported. Tressel was hired to be an offensive consultant under Caldwell in 2011 with the Colts.
The National Football Post suggests the team will bring two or three candidates to Detroit to meet with team owner William Clay Ford Sr. In addition to Caldwell, former Titans head coach Mike Munchak and former Houston Texans coach Kary Gubiak remain candidates. Sources told ESPN that Lions’ officials were “pleasantly surprised” with Munchak following his interview.
In the Twin Cities, Mike Zimmer remains the favorite to become the next head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, according to reports, and the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator will be interviewed a second time Tuesday.
The Vikings have previously conducted an interview with Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, while other targets — Jim Tomlusa and Greg Roman — met with the team on Saturday. In addition, Seahawks defensive coordinator Darrell Bevell has been mentioned as a candidate.
And in Cleveland, the Browns wrapped up an interview with Munchak Monday. In addition to a wish list that includes Bob Stoops, the team also has plans to speak with Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, but would have to wait until those teams’ playoff runs are complete. Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott has been rumored to be a target as well.
