The next NFL head coach from the Lions' staff may not be who you think it is

When NFL head coaching candidates start to surface during next season, plenty of attention will again be on Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. But there is another potential candidate who may get plenty of attention.

Lions assistant head coach and running backs coach Scottie Montgomery took part in the latest NFL coaching accelerator program at the league meetings in Nashville last week. The program connects clubs and owners with diverse coaching candidates, allowing candidates to develop relationships and leadership skills.

Montgomery participated in the program last year as well.

Last week, Montgomery talked to NFL Network's Steve Wyche about his coaching future.

Montgomery noted how working under Dan Campbell has been different.

“It’s been a different level of leadership, a different type of leadership from a peer standpoint, which also gives us all the voice to be who we are. I don’t have to be someone that I’m not,” Montgomery said.

Before coming to the Lions in 2023, as mentioned, Montgomery was the Colts' running backs coach for two seasons. Before that, his coaching resume has a wide array of experience, from being a wide receivers coach at the college and NFL levels, being a college offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach to being a college head coach (East Carolina).

Montgomery's wide swath of coaching experience, leadership qualities and ability to connect with players all the way around make him a strong head coaching candidate. There's surely not an offensive scheme or play style he has not seen.

Montgomery's reputation is as a coach who values teamwork and collaboration, which aligns with the culture that NFL teams aim to foster. His ability to build strong relationships with players, staff, and management is a testament to his commitment to creating a positive and cohesive environment.

At about the 48-minute mark of the video below, the 2023 season review of "Inside The Den", Montgomery took center stage to talk to the team after the December road loss to the Bears. He should include the speech as a visual part of his head coaching resume.