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The Lions have a big name in mind for their GM vacancy: Seahawks general manager John Schneider.
Detroit plans to pursue Schneider, reports Ilan Rapoport of NFL Network.
If Schneider had full authority over the Seahawks staff, the Lions would not be allowed to approach him about their jobs. But because Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has the head staff, the Lions will offer Schneider an increase with the final verdict on their rankings. This allows them to approach Schneider within league rules, and that may be enough to make Schneider consider leaving Seattle.
The Lions fired general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia this season. If Schneider is appointed, he will appoint the leaders’ next head coach.
The job in Detroit may not be particularly attractive, given the lack of talent on the rankings and the team’s poor salary cap. But if Sheila Ford Hamp, Lions owner, is willing to offer Schneider enough money and enough authority, a big name in the staff world could send Detroit down.