On Sunday, the Detroit Lions are set to participate in a crucial game in their franchise’s history, facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Round playoff. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the Lions’ defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, will be interviewing for the coaching vacancy with the Washington Commanders. As the Commanders, led by owner Josh Harris and new general manager Adam Peters, actively seek a new coach, they are scheduled to engage in discussions with Glenn, who received the highest rating among NFL defensive or offensive coordinators in a recent anonymous player survey conducted by the NFLPA.
Although Glenn’s coaching prowess is evident, having interviewed for coaching positions with the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans on Friday, the timing raises concerns. With the Lions aiming for a spot in the NFC Championship Game the next day, the potential impact of the time spent on interviews and preparations on Glenn’s ability to focus on the playoff game cannot be overlooked. This situation is not a reflection of Glenn’s commitment but rather a result of the current system in place.
Simultaneously, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, perceived by many as a likely candidate for the Commanders job, faces a similar predicament. Scheduled for three interviews on Saturday with the Falcons, Los Angeles Chargers, and Seattle Seahawks, Johnson’s commitments come a day after a virtual meeting with the Commanders. This scheduling clash occurs on the eve of an important playoff game.
While there may not be a perfect solution, one suggestion is to delay the entire NFL coaching cycle until after the Super Bowl. This adjustment would benefit coaches on playoff teams, as well as those from eliminated teams or the college ranks. Although it might necessitate pushing back other offseason events like free agency and the NFL Draft, it would help prevent potential distractions for coaches like Glenn and Johnson, who are simultaneously juggling interviews and game preparation. The outcome of the Lions’ playoff game against the Buccaneers may prompt questions about the impact of a week filled with coaching interviews on the team’s performance.
