Jim Schwartz is still the head coach of the Detroit Lions, but that is not likely to last long. The Lions have once again been removed from playoff contention and the team owners are searching for answers. The first finger is being point directly at Schwartz and now Detroit is taking a look at who is available if he needs to be replaced.
According to footballscoop.com per SBNation, the Detroit Lions have expressed interest in current Penn State football coach, Bill O'Brien. The former offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots has been at the head of numerous NFL coaching rumors. It was reported earlier by ESPN that O'Brien had his NFL buyout cost lowered to $6 million, proving he has interest in making the jump back to the professional ranks.
O'Brien took over Penn State at the worst time possible in 2012. Despite the tough NCAA sanctions facing the Nittany Lions, he led the team to an 8-4 finish, second in the Big 10 that first season. This year the Lions finished 7-5 with a 4-4 conference record. He won Coach of the Year following the 2012 season, but insisted he was in it for the long haul with Penn State.
O'Brien has a decent NFL resume. He was the offensive coordinator with the Patriots from 2007 to 2011 where the unit averaged 428.0 yards per game along with 32.1 points per game. Now, he is considered a lock to make the jump to the professional ranks once again and the Lions want to interview him if Schwartz is let go.
O'Brien has agreed to interview for the vacant Houston Texans job. According to the NFL Network, the two parties will meet in the near future. The coach has reportedly told players that he is likely going to stick around, but it would not be a surprise if he decides to leave.
Most believe it is a no-brainer for O'Brien to make the jump to the professional ranks, but Peter King noted on TheMMQB.com that is might not be as big of a guarantee as once believed. Loyalty could be an factor even though that is not a word normally used with college coaches. Senior safety Stephen Obeng-Apyapong said that O'Brien gave the team his word and while he is coaching in a difficult situation, most players believe he will stay.
If O'Brien does jump, plenty of teams are interested. Along with the Texans and Lions, the Minnesota Vikings are also targeting the college coach if they decide to let Leslie Frazier go. The Oakland Raiders are also interested if Dennis Allen gets released.