The Detroit Lions have reportedly sought interviews for six different head coaching candidates to replace recently fired Jim Caldwell. Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is one of the first to reportedly land an interview with the team. According to Jason La Canfora, Shurmur will be interviewing with the team on Thursday:

Pat Shurmur will interview with the Lions on Thursday and then meet with the Cardinals following that. Could definitely see him in AZ — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 2, 2018

As noted by La Canfora, Shurmur is being linked to the Cardinals job, which is now vacated after Bruce Arians announced his retirement from coaching. Shurmur is going to have a busy bye week, as apparently the Chicago Bears are also interested in his services, although they have yet to officially land an interview with him.

Shurmur is earning a lot of credit for building a highly successful Vikings offense despite crucial injuries to Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater and Dalvin Cook. In 2017, Minnesota’s offense ranked fifth in DVOA and 10th in points scored.

The Lions arguably have more talent than the Vikings on that side of the ball, yet were an overall less consistent offense than Minnesota. Though they ranked seventh in points scored, they ranked just 12th in DVOA. They specifically have struggled mightily in running the ball, something the Vikings have had no trouble doing with Shurmur as the offensive coordinator.

Shurmur is now the Lions’ second confirmed interview. Detroit will be interviewing their current defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Tuesday, as first reported by ESPN’s Josina Anderson.

The Detroit Lions head coaching search is moving a breakneck pace. Be sure to follow all of the most recent news and rumors with our 2018 head coaching search tracker.