Detroit Lions interviewing Ike Hilliard for offensive coordinator job

The Detroit Lions are closing in on their offensive coordinator search. During his press conference on Thursday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said he had probably interviewed four candidates on both sides of the ball, and the identity of one of them was revealed later in the day. According to MMQB’s Albert Breer, the Lions are interviewing Steelers wide receivers coach Ike Hilliard for the position.

You may remember Hilliard from his playing days. He was a first-round pick for the New York Giants and spent eight seasons there before closing his playing career with four years as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

Hilliard took no break in football after retiring. He immediately jumped into coaching and has been at the NFL level since 2011. He crossed paths with Campbell during his one year with the Dolphins (2011) before jumping to Washington, Buffalo, Washington (again) and most recently with the Steelers in 2020. Hilliard and Campbell also spent four years together as players for the Giants (1999-2002).

In addition to Hilliard, the Lions have also interviewed Ravens quarterbacks coach James Urban for the offensive coordinator position. And Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press added two more names to the conversation: former Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn and current Bills quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey.

At this point, it isn’t clear how far talks have progressed with these two candidates.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, it appears the Lions have closed the deal with their next defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.