Dave Birkett

Detroit Free Press

If any of his prospective employers watched Saturday’s wildcard loss to the Seattle Seahawks, they would have seen Teryl Austin’s defense at its worst.

The Detroit Lions gave up a season-high 177 yards rushing and surrendered 16 fourth-quarter points while losing their fourth straight, 26-6.

But Lions coach Jim Caldwell said that showing should have no bearing on Austin’s status as a top head-coaching candidate. Austin, in his third season as Lions defensive coordinator, has his first of potentially two interviews today when he meets with the San Diego Chargers about their vacant head-coaching job.

He also is reportedly a candidate with the Los Angeles Rams.

“I know a lot of people will look at it and say, ‘Hey, well should he get an opportunity when you look at his team, what they’ve done?’” Caldwell said. “Just take a look at the records of guys that have gotten head-coaching jobs. Do your homework and take a look at the backgrounds and see what they’ve done in comparison to guys that are running teams to date in terms of his background, what he’s been able to accomplish and things of that nature. I think you’ll see that he stacks up comparably to the group.”

Seidel: Teacher Teryl Austin is mastermind of Detroit Lions defense

The Jacksonville Jaguars made the first move of the hiring cycle Monday, naming interim coach Doug Marrone the permanent replacement for Gus Bradley.

Marrone went 15-17 as Buffalo Bills coach in 2013-14, and spent most of this past season as the Jaguars’ offensive line coach.

The Chargers have interviewed four candidates for their opening already: Kansas City Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub and defensive coordinators Matt Patricia of the New England Patriots, Sean McDermott of the Carolina Panthers and Mike Smith of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Lions finished 13th in scoring defense and 18th in total defense this year under Austin’s command. The Patriots led the NFL in scoring defense and ranked eighth in total defense; the Panthers finished 21st in total defense and 26th in scoring defense, but made the Super Bowl last year; and the Bucs finished 15th in scoring defense and 23rd in total defense, though Smith has previous head-coaching experience.

Buffalo Bills interim head coach Anthony Lynn and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph are other reported candidates for the Chargers job.

“I think obviously that he deserves an opportunity,” Caldwell said. “And when you look at his work, what he’s been able to do over the years, look at where he’s worked, who he’s worked for. He’s well prepared for the task. He’ll do a tremendous job. And I don’t think there’s any question about that. I’m certainly hoping that he gets that opportunity.”

Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson said he believes Austin will be a “great” head coach one day.

“He’s just football savvy,” Lawson said. “He has a lot of football wisdom, been around the game for a long time on all three levels, high school, college, professional, so he knows a lot, he’s seen a lot. So I think he’ll be a great head coach.”

Caldwell said he has not yet determined who will replace Austin as defensive coordinator, though the Lions have internal candidates in defensive backs coaches Tony Oden and Alan Williams.

He also said he’s “not in a position” to talk about any changes he plans to make to his staff yet.

“Obviously, I think the logical thing that you’d have to anticipate is that if T.A., and hopefully he does get a job, that they’ll be some adjustments as a result of that,” Caldwell said. “And I think he’s deserving of that. So I’m hopeful.”

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

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