Report: Vrabel, Wilks, Patricia, Shurmur, Austin among Lions' HC contenders

The Detroit Lions aren't wasting any time.

After firing head coach Jim Caldwell on Monday, the Lions have asked the Houston Texans for permission to interview defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, Albert Breer of MMQB.com reports.

Detroit has also requested to interview Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network; New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports; and Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, along with Green Bay Packers assistant head coach Winston Moss, a source told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Additionally, the Lions will interview defensive coordinator Teryl Austin on Tuesday, a source told Josina Anderson of ESPN.

Vrabel, a former NFL veteran of 14 seasons, has one season under his belt as defensive coordinator following a promotion from linebackers coach. The Texans ranked 20th in total defense, but were hit hard by injuries, including the loss of superstar pass-rusher J.J. Watt for the majority of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Panthers finished the year as the seventh-ranked defense in Wilks' first season in the role.

Patrica's unit struggled mightily in 2017, but he's long been regarded as one of the league's top head coaching candidates.

Shurmur kept the Vikings' offense on track despite losing starter Sam Bradford, helping backup Case Keenum produce a career year.