Buccaneers interview Lions RB coach Scottie Montgomery for offensive coordinator post

Hired by the Lions a week ago, assistant head coach/running backs coach Scottie Montgomery has interviewed for the offensive coordinator job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Last Monday, Feb. 6, it was first reported the Detroit Lions were hiring Scottie Montgomery as their new assistant head coach and running backs coach replacing Duce Staley. A few days later, the move was made official.

On Monday night, in a surprise turn, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced they interviewed Montgomery for their offensive coordinator opening.

Montgomery is the ninth known candidate to interview for the job.

Before you take issue with him interviewing for a promotion before the metaphorical ink is dry on his Lions’ contract, put yourself in Montgomery’s shoes.

Would you interview for a job with higher pay, even though you just took a new job? I think you would, and so would I in most situations.

Scottie Montgomery may still be the Lions assistant head coach/running backs coach

Judging by the sheer volume of candidates who have interviewed, it appears no one really wants the job running a Buccaneers’ offense that won’t have Tom Brady at quarterback. Who exactly Tampa Bay’s quarterback will be next season is not clear, but they won’t be able to make a substantial move barring something unforeseen.

Frankly, as Byron Leftwich found out, being the offensive coordinator for Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is not the greatest gig. And it can tank your coaching stock very quickly.

There is of course a big difference between being one of close to double-digit candidates to interview for the offensive coordinator gig in Tampa, and being offered the job. Or taking the job if it is offered. But assistant coaches should always take opportunities to interview for bigger jobs when they come, unless they feel strongly about not doing so.

The fact Montgomery was wanted to interview for a coordinator job so quickly speaks to how well-regarded he is around the league, and how good a hire he is for the Lions and Dan Campbell. The betting money should be on him staying in place with the Lions, but it’s now a faint question mark when it wasn’t even a thing earlier on Monday.