Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson might be the Washington Commanders' head coach within days of the team's season ending. Passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand is on the interview radar for the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator opening.
But another Detroit Lions' assistant coach is drawing interest from another team. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have requested to interview wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El for their offensive coordinator opening,
"The Bucs found themselves without an offensive coordinator thanks to thehireof Dave Canales in Carolina. While they do have an in-house candidate in quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, the expectation is that they’ll open their search. Among the names who have interviewed or have been requested to interview: Former Bills OC Ken Dorsey, Texans QBs coach Jerrod Johnson, Eagles OC Brian Johnson and Lions WRs coach Antwaan Randle El."
Randle El can't interview with the Buccaneers, or anyone else, until after the NFC Championship Game. But this is the first time he's been mentioned as a candidate for a promotion elsewhere.
Antwaan Randle El coaching (and playing) resume
Randle El has spent the last three seasons as the Lions wide receivers coach. Before that, he was an offensive assistant for the Buccaneers. Head coach Todd Bowles was Tampa Bay's defensive coordinator for three seasons (2000-2001) before he replaced Bruce Arians.
Randle El is better known for his nine-year NFL career as a wide receiver (2002-2010) with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins. Before that, he first landed on the radar of football fans as a dual threat quarterback at the University of Indiana; he finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2001.
If Johnson does leave for a head coaching job (most likely the Commanders at this point, but still could be the Seahawks), Randle El would be a candidate to take his place as the Lions' offensive coordinator. But he may end up interviewing for the post in Tampa Bay