Lions Line Up Interview With Ex-Texans GM Rick Smith

Former Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith is expected to interview for the Detroit Lions vacancy before Christmas, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The Lions are seeking a new GM after parting ways with Bob Quinn last month. They fired coach Matt Patricia the same day, and there's been talk that they could hire a coach who would then help them choose the GM.

For now, though, it appears they are talking solely to GM candidates. So far, per the Free Press, the Lions have talked only with people currently employed by the organization. Smith isn't employed by anyone, so the Lions could hire him right away.

Along with his work with the Texans, Smith is a former assistant coach with the Denver Broncos and several other clubs. He's been in the NFL for more than 20 years, but he stepped away in 2017 to help care for his wife, who died of breast cancer last year.

Smith became Texans GM in 2006. He took over a 2-14 team and built it into a regular playoff contender that won four division titles in 12 years.

The Lions are 5-8 following Sunday's loss to their rivals the Green Bay Packers.