Report: Detroit Lions' Teryl Austin a candidate for Arizona State coaching job

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin could have some head-coaching opportunities after the season, including one in college.

Austin is a candidate to replace Todd Graham at Arizona State after Graham was fired on Sunday, according to USA Today.

The school already has done background work on potential candidates, and athletics director Ray Anderson is reportedly "intrigued by coaches with NFL ties," including Austin and Michigan passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton.

Austin, who makes his offseason home in the Phoenix area, has interviewed for nine NFL head-coaching jobs the past three seasons and is expected to generate more interest come January.

The Lions rank just 24th in the NFL in total defense, but are tied for fourth in the league in takeaways and at 6-5 are contending for a wildcard spot.

Austin has said previously that he's "ready" to be a head coach, but he declined to talk about potential openings earlier this month.

Among the NFL jobs he's interviewed for previously, Austin was considered the runner up to Dan Quinn for the Atlanta Falcons job in 2015 and the No. 2 choice behind Anthony Lynn with the Los Angeles Chargers in January.

"I haven’t thought one thing about (job possibilities)," Austin said earlier this month. "I can’t. I can’t. Because as you guys know, I’m still here. It’s been the same question that’s been going on for three years, and I’m still here. So I’m worried about the next game."

Hamilton, who came to Michigan in early 2017, is a former NFL offensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts (2013-15) and Cleveland Browns (2016).

Contact Dave Birkett: dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.

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