Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is a candidate for the head-coaching job with the Lions. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Lions to interview Buccaneers DC Todd Bowles for head-coaching job

The Detroit Lions lost out on the opportunity to hire San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their next head coach. They also lost out on Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who denied a second interview with the franchise. 

However, it appears the Lions have shifted their focus to a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Detroit will interview Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles on Friday. 

Bowles has spent the last two seasons as Tampa's defensive coordinator. He previously served as head coach of the New York Jets from 2015-18, going 24-40.

The 57-year-old has also received interview requests from the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. 

Former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, New Orleans Saints assistant head coach Dan Campbell and Lions interim head coach Darrell Bevell have also interviewed for the position. 

In November, the Lions fired Matt Patricia after the team went 4-7 under him during the 2020 campaign. 

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