5 Head Coaching options for the Detroit Lions

August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight ends coach Eric Mangini during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi

4. Eric Mangini

With an overall coaching record of 33-47, Eric Mangini doesn’t exactly seem like home run hire. Mangini is currently the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Their defensive stats do not exactly jump off of the page at you, but Mangini is doing a great job with the hand he has been dealt due to injuries, suspensions, and retirements.

Next: Detroit Lions: This is the end

As head coach of the New York Jets from 2006-2008 Mangini compiled a record of 23-25. Two of those seasons the Jets finished with a winning record. In 2008 the Jets, with aging Brett Favre at the helm, the Jets started the season 8-3, only to have a total collapse and finish the season 9-7. Mangini was fired after the 2008 season and days later became the head coach of the Clevelan Browns where he finished 5-11 both seasons.

Mangini has been an offensive assistant, tight ends coach, defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator, and head coach. His versatility cannot be underestimated.

Next: David Shaw