Latest On Lions GM Search, Including Planned Run At Seahawks GM John Schneider

According to Ian Rapoport, the Lions are planning to try and hire Seahawks GM John Schneider, which would be a massive move. 

Schneider is regarded as one of the league’s best general managers for his work with the Seahawks for more than a decade. But a couple of factors make this possibly more than a pipe dream for Detroit. 

Though Seattle signed HC Pete Carroll to a five-year contract extension this season, Schneider still has just one year remaining on his deal, per Rapoport.

Final say over personnel also falls to Carroll, and while Rapoport says the two collaborate and it hasn’t been an issue, that means Seattle can’t deny the Lions’ interview request if they offer Schneider control over personnel. 

Rapoport adds there’s another team that plans to try and make a run at Schneider. And while the Lions are looking for an experienced GM, another candidate is Vikings assistant GM George Paton, who is widely respected and works closely with new Lions advisor Chris Spielman‘s brother, Vikings GM Rick Spielman.

Jason La Canfora reports the Lions also have some interest in Steelers GM Kevin Colbert. However, the prospects of Colbert leaving Pittsburgh, where he’s been on year-to-year contracts, before he retires are slim. 

According to La Canfora, a number of people believe former Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff is well-positioned to land the gig in Detroit. He worked with Colbert when the two were with the Lions some time ago. 

He adds the Lions also plan to interview Rams college scouting director Brad Holmes, which has been previously reported in our 2021 NFL Head Coach & GM Tracker, and Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds. 

Schneier, 49, got his start in the league working as a scout for the Packers. He quickly worked his way up to higher executive positions and had stints with the Chiefs, Washington and then back to Green Bay. The Seahawks hired him as general manager in 2010. 

During his time in Seattle, the Seahawks have a 111-63-1 record under Schneider. The team has qualified for the playoffs nine times in 11 years, appeared in two Super Bowls and won one in 2013. 

We’ll have more on the Lions’ GM search as the news is available.