New Detroit Lions GM may want Josh McDaniels as head coach

The Detroit Lions hiring a new GM could have a direct effect on Jim Caldwell’s job as there is some speculation that Bob Quinn may want Josh McDaniels as his head coach.

The Lions announced that they have hired Quinn as their new GM. Quinn formerly was the Director of Pro Scouting for the New England Patriots, which means he has strong ties to McDaniels and Matt Patricia, who are the Pats’ offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively.

The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett says some believe Quinn has his eye on McDaniels for his desired head coach.

Some people believe that Quinn has his eye on Josh McDaniels as a head coach. But no decision on Caldwell yet.

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 9, 2016

Birkett further reported that McDaniels is “believed to be a favorite” of Quinn.

“McDaniels, in particular, is believed to be a favorite of Quinn’s, though the Lions won’t be able to interview him after Sunday’s wild-card games until the Patriots are done with the playoffs.”

Unlike McDaniels who did not use the Patriots’ bye week to interview for other jobs, Patricia did interview for the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching job.

News came out earlier Saturday that Caldwell’s job might not be safe. Given Quinn’s Patriots background, the speculation that he might want to bring in someone like McDaniels makes a lot of sense.

McDaniels, 39, coached the Patriots from 2001-2008 before leaving to take the Denver Broncos head coaching job. After a failed stint as Denver’s head coach, McDaniels went to the Rams and then back to New England. He is in his fourth year with the Patriots since returning to the team. Much like Bill Belichick, he also has a history of being busted for questionable videotaping practices.