Candidates include Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray.

"I think a coach has to be a strong leader," team president Tom Lewand said. "(GM) Martin (Mayhew) put it a good way (Monday): A coach has to have a unique ability to get you to do the things you don't want to do. The great ones have done that.

"You have to have a coach who is a good communicator. I think you have to have a coach who respects the personnel process, the scouting process, and how things fit together. I think you have to have a coach that is smart.

"The coaches these days have a lot of demands on them. They've got a lot of different moving pieces. They have to be able to think on their toes. They have to be able to see the big picture.

"And finally, I think you want people who have had success in challenges they've set out to do, whether it's certainly in coaching, but in other endeavors, too. Successful people tend to have been successful along the way in meeting challenges."

COACHING CAROUSEL: Defensive coordinator Joe Barry, assistant offensive line coach Mike Barry and secondary coach Jimmy Lake were fired. Defensive line coach Joe Cullen's contract will not be renewed.

Offensive coordinator Jim Colletto was reassigned to offensive line coach. The assistant coaches remaining must wait and see if the new head coach wants to retain them or replace them.

"I guess I'm still under contract," said quarterbacks coach Scot Loeffler, who could be a candidate for some college jobs. "As of right now, I still work for the Detroit Lions. That's all I know."

FREE AGENT UPDATE: CB Leigh Bodden's critical comments made him come off as if he were angling for his departure. The Lions acquired Bodden from Cleveland in a trade for DT Shaun Rogers in the offseason. They signed him to a four-year contract extension in July that includes an $8.6 million roster bonus due at the beginning of March. If they don't exercise it, he would become a free agent. Bodden appears to be the Lions' biggest offseason roster decision. A lot depends on the new coach.

FEELING A DRAFT: The Lions have the No. 1 pick in the draft and five picks in the first three rounds, thanks to the first- and third-rounders they got from Dallas for WR Roy Williams. They have a chance to restock their roster, but they must make the right picks. Mayhew will not provide any insight into his feelings or philosophy, not wanting to tip his hand, and the Lions need help just about everywhere. But a franchise quarterback is a desperate need, both lines need bolstering, and the defense badly needs an infusion of talent.

TEAM NEEDS

Quarterback: The Lions have five quarterbacks on the roster right now, which means they have none.

Linebacker: No one made any plays this season, even Ernie Sims, the ninth overall pick in 2006.

Defensive back: The Lions had only one interception from the secondary this season.

MEDICAL WATCH: QB Dan Orlovsky (thumb) and WR Shaun McDonald (ankle) are among those seeking second opinions on their injuries and considering surgery.