Lions Interview Rick Smith, Thomas Dimitroff & Scott Pioli For GM Job

The Detroit Lions announced that they have concluded interviews with Rick Smith, Thomas Dimitroff, and Scott Pioli for their General Manager job. 

#Lions have completed General Manager interviews with the following candidates: pic.twitter.com/gyR8vmtudg

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 24, 2020

In addition to interviewing three internal candidates, the Lions have also shown interest in former Giants GM Jerry Reese and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick to replace former GM Bob Quinn. 

Smith also interviewed with the Jaguars and Falcons for their GM openings and is reportedly a candidate for the Washington Football Team job as well.  (NFLTR)

He took a leave of absence from Houston following the 2017 season to take care of his wife after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She passed away in 2019 and after taking more time away, Smith appears to be ready to return to football. 

Smith began his NFL coaching career with the Broncos back in 1996 as their assistant defensive backs coach before he took over as their director of pro personnel in 2000.

After 11 seasons with the Broncos, Smith departed to become the general manager of the Texans. He was elevated to GM/executive VP in 2012.

During his time as the Texans’ GM, Smith led them to a record of 92-100 (48.1 percent), which included four playoff appearances over the course of 12 seasons.

Dimitroff, 54, took his first NFL job with the Chiefs back in 1993 as a scout. He worked for the Lions, Browns and Patriots before being promoted to director of college scouting for New England in 2003.

After five years in the position, the Falcons hired Dimitroff as GM for the 2008 season.

Dimitroff had a strong run in Atlanta, winning executive of the year twice and helping build a team that went to the Super Bowl in 2016, before being let go earlier this season. 

During his 13 years as Falcons GM, Dimitroff’s teams produced a record of 109-88 (55.3 percent), which includes six playoff appearances.

Pioli, 55, was a college coach for four years before taking a job with the Browns as a pro personnel assistant back in 1992. He held a number of positions for the Ravens, Jets, and Patriots before the Chiefs hired him as their GM in 2009.

After four years in Kansas City, Pioli was fired. He sat out a few seasons before the Falcons hired him as their assistant GM in 2014. He stepped down from that role in 2019. 

During his four years with the Chiefs, Pioli had a record of 23-41 with one playoff appearance. 

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