After a 9-3 season (a result for which, as a Browns fan, I would literally kill a man), the Detroit Lions relieved head coach Jim Caldwell of his duties Monday morning after his team topped the Green Bay Packers, 35-11.
The Lions aren't dragging their heels to replace him, either. According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, Houston Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel is the first name to garner interest.
The #Lions have already begun the process of submitting slips. Im told #Texans DC Mike Vrabel is on the list. Matt Patricia coming too.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2018
The Lions must have a defensive guy in mind, because Patricia currently coordinates the New England Patriots' defense.
Vrabel has been a quick riser in NFL circles since departing Ohio State after the 2013 season. Perhaps most importantly, Vrabel has shown an instinct for picking his spots. In 2016, a Houston Texans linebackers, Vrabel declined Chip Kelly's offer to coordinate the San Francisco 49ers' defense. The 49ers fired Kelly after that season.
Texans coach Bill O'Brien rewarded Vrabel's loyalty by naming him defensive coordinator in 2017. At this point, Vrabel becoming a head coach seems a matter of "when" and "where" at this point, not "if."
