Lions miss out on Ken Whisenhunt

Former Chargers OC reportedly signs with Titans

DETROIT – After the Detroit Lions fired Head Coach Jim Schwartz early this offseason, many figured that former San Diego Chargers Offensive Coordinator Ken Whisenhunt would end up in the Motor City. However, on Monday night, according to several sources, the highly-sought after coach agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans.

The former Arizona Cardinals leader was considered a good match in Detroit after turning around the career of struggling quarterback Philip Rivers in his only year with the Chargers. Rivers threw 32 touchdowns and only 11 interceptions under Whisenhunt in 2013 after combining for just 53 touchdowns and 35 interceptions the two previous years.

Detroiters were hoping Whisenhunt could perform the same magic with quarterback Matt Stafford, who fell apart in the Lions' late-season collapse. Costly interceptions and the inability to finish games (the Lions held fourth quarter leads in each of the final seven games but went just 1-6 over the stretch) has put the young gunslinger's potential in question; but now Detroit will have to find another coach to mentor the former No. 1 overall draft pick.

The Lions' job is considered one of the most attractive openings in the NFL this offseason because of the abundance of talent on the roster and the front office's reputation for being patient with coaches. Schwartz lasted five seasons in Detroit despite going 0-8 in the second half of 2012 after reaching the playoffs in 2011. The Lions need a coach that gives them a real chance to win now. The window is open for the team while stars like Calvin Johnson and Ndamukong Suh are in their primes.