Tom

Cable

The report has been confirmed by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who adds the Lions are “doing background work” on the former Raiders head man. Per Rapoport, the Lions have yet to formally request an interview. Cable is regarded as an elite line coach, but had a star-crossed two-and-a-half year tenure as the Raiders’ head coach. (Is there any other kind of tenure in Oakland?) The low point came when he allegedly broke the jaw of defensive assistant Randy Hanson. Cable must be getting some A+ recommendations if the Lions are seriously considering him.

The Detroit Free Press reported Tuesday that the Lions had interest in Cable, while NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed it and said Detroit was doing background work on the former Raiders head coach. 49-year-old Cable has been Seattle’s offensive line coach and assistant head coach the past three seasons.

Cable has been Pete Carroll’s assistant head coach the last six seasons. Seattle’s offensive line was a weak point this year, but that was more a reflection of talent. Cable, OC Darrell Bevell, and DC Kris Richard could all get interviews this offseason.

The interview will take place the day after Seattle’s Divisional Round game in Atlanta. The 49ers will also meet with Seahawks co-directors of player personnel Scott Fitterer and Trent Kirchner about their GM vacancy. Those interviews will be conducted a week from Monday.

The news comes the same day it was reported Falcons OC Kyle Shanahan has emerged as the odds-on favorite to replace Chip Kelly. Cable will return to Seattle, where he has been one of Pete Carroll’s top lieutenants since he made the jump from USC.

Cable’s first run as a head coach did not go well in Oakland, but he has rehabbed his image coaching the offensive line in Seattle. That line has not been great in recent seasons, but Cable does not have much talent to work with. The 49ers will also interview Seahawks co-directors of player personnel Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer for their general manager vacancy.

Cable seems like a long-shot candidate with the Jets, where the tentative favorite is expected to be Doug Marrone. It may be worth noting that both Cable and Marrone are former (or current, in Cable’s case) offensive line coaches.

Jets brass is traveling to the Pacific Northwest over the weekend to do a handful of interviews. In addition to Cable, owner Woody Johnson and consultants Ron Wolf and Charley Casserly will speak with DC Dan Quinn. Seahawks Director of Pro Personnel Trent Kirchner will interview for the GM job. Cable was the Raiders’ head coach from 2008-2010, compiling a 17-27 record. He’s been with Seattle since 2011. There were rumblings earlier this month that if Cable gets a head-coach job, he could bring Marshawn Lynch with him.

The Colts are expected to move on from Pagano after nearly cutting ties last year. Cable has been thrown around as a retread candidate the past few offseasons but would be a tough sell with Seattle’s offensive line struggles. With Andrew Luck on track to return, the Colts could be one of this year’s more attractive openings.

This is an odd hire after the Seahawks’ offensive line struggled mightily the past few seasons under Cable despite pouring draft and free agency resources into the unit. Cable returns to Oakland after being the Raiders’ head coach from 2008 through 2010. He joins Gruden and a new staff with the Raiders looking to revitalize the team after a down year. As Cable is known to have a tight bond with Marshawn Lynch, Cable’s hire may increase the chances Lynch plays another season before the team moves to Las Vegas.