Detroit Lions interview New Orleans Saints assistant Dan Campbell for head coach job

Detroit Free Press

Dave Birkett
 
| Detroit Free Press

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With their first round of general manager interviews nearly complete, the Detroit Lions are turning their attention to their vacant head coaching job.

The Lions are interviewing New Orleans Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell on Monday morning, and are expected to meet with at least two more coaches this week.

Campbell, the fifth known candidate to interview for the job, played tight end for the Lions in 2006-08 and spent the past 11 years as a coach with the Saints and Miami Dolphins.

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He went 5-7 as interim head coach for the Dolphins in 2015, when he replaced Joe Philbin after a 1-3 start. In New Orleans, he has worked with tight ends and been assistant head coach the past five seasons.

Campbell caught 23 passes in 19 games with the Lions over three seasons. He finished his playing career with the Saints in 2009, when he missed the season with a knee injury.

ESPN reported the Lions will interview Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith on Tuesday. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles also is expected to interview this week.

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Already, the Lions have interviewed interim head coach Darrell Bevell, ex-Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

The Lions still could look to dip into the college ranks, with some NFL observers believing team president Rod Wood wants to land a big-name hire to replace Matt Patricia as head coach.

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The Lions have completed 11 interviews for their vacant GM job and do not have any more known first interviews currently scheduled.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett. 

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