Detroit Lions hiring Louis Riddick would be first step in fixing everything Matt Patricia broke

The Detroit Lions are starting to extend their search for a new GM, and Louis Riddick is in line to interview.

The Detroit Lions are set for a full reset in 2021, with a new general manager and head coach. On the GM front, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has reported they plan to interview ESPN analyst Louis Riddick on Friday.

According to Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter of ESPN, Riddick will also interview with the Houston Texans for their general manager job on Wednesday. That report makes it seem like Riddick will interview with the Lions on Friday no matter what.

Riddick has spent this season as an analyst in the Monday Night Football booth for ESPN, and he has worked in broadcasting since last working in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.

Following a six-year NFL playing career, Riddick worked as a scout and eventually director of pro personnel in Washington from 2001-2007. He moved on to the Eagles after that, working his way again from pro scout to director of pro personnel.

Riddick has come up as a general manager candidate the last couple years. So his candidacy for two openings already in this cycle is not surprising.

Louis Riddick would be quite a get for the Lions

Riddick does excellent work for ESPN, often leaning into his experience working in two NFL front offices to inform his analysis and opinions. The Lions started their GM search with internal candidates, and they’re also expected to interview former Texans’ general manager Rick Smith as they start to explore outside candidates. Riddick and Smith aren’t currently working for an NFL team, so they can be interviewed whenever is seen fit.

If Riddick didn’t want to be a general manager, his name would not be out there and he would not be interviewing for multiple jobs. The Lions have smartly gotten toward the front of the line to talk to him, and they will apparently get their chance even if his interview with the Texans goes well.