Lions appear on the verge of naming coach

January 13, 10:36 AMDetroit Lions ExaminerChris Morgan

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Who will fill this man's shoes and jacket? (AP Photo)

Nothing is official yet, but the more news I read, particularly stories such as this, lead me to believe Jim Schwartz will be the guy who ends up coaching the Lions. Schwartz came in for a second interview, met with Billy Ford the Elder, and was even presented to the media to take questions. I don't see why the Lions would do that unless they REALLY liked this guy and wanted him to be the coach. However, like I said nothing is official and it is entirely possible they trot Steve Spagnuolo out there at some point in the future as well.

While my heart still yearns for Spagnuolo and his blitz based defense, I think Schwartz will be just find. Although, his defense based on sound fundamentals is eerily similar to the dogma of Marinelli, and we all know how well that worked out. However, Schwartz has been the defensive coordinator in Tennessee for eight seasons, and has had obvious success, where as Marinelli was but a mere defensive line coach who had never run a defense. Plus, as stated in that article, the two things Schwartz's defenses are known for are stopping the run and preventing third down conversions. That's music to the ears of any Lions fan.

With Cleveland recycling Mangini and with the Broncos choosing wunderkind Josh McDaniels to be their head coach, the competition for the Lions has gotten a little smaller. Also, with Kansas City spinning their wheels right now, Oakland a mess, and Cincinnati seemingly not planning on firing Marvin Lewis because apparently their owners are absolutely insane, or Ford-esque in the parlance of our times, the Lions might be able to drag their feet a little bit. However, if they do anything more than bring in Spagnuolo one more time then spend a week or so deliberating, I will be none too pleased.

In other news, I was talking to the new National Fantasy Hockey Examiner yesterday which drew some stares and murmurs as I was talking to myself. Yes, I have added another title to my name, along with this and the title of King which I hold from a brief reign over a small Polynesian Island, and I encourage you to check it out if you play fantasy hockey or are just a fan of hockey in general. However, let me assure you it shant keep me from doing my best work on my Lions articles. The Honolulu Blue and Silver are too close to my heart to betray them. I will continue to provide news updates now and then, plus articles on Sunday evening, Wednesday afternoon, and Friday afternoon. Also, once football season ends, I'll probably publish the Sunday article in the afternoon as well. Just letting you know to make finding my stuff easier for you. As I have said before, I am but a humble servant of you the dear reader.