Lions GM search: Detroit covets Steelers’ Kevin Colbert, will start interviewing non-GMs

The Detroit Lions covet Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert for their general manager position, league sources have said, but the chances of him leaving Pittsburgh are more than slim. Colbert’s deal expires, but an extension is just a formality at this point.

Colbert was an executive with the Lions in 1990 before leaving for what would become a Hall of Fame tenure with the Steelers. He is held in the highest regard by the Ford family, as well as longtime Lions linebacker Chris Spielman, who was recently hired by the team in a front office role and to help with this coaching search. Additionally, a large contingent of former Lions are supporters of Colbert and believe he is in a unique position to get the long-suffering franchise back on track, but this effort will be in vain.

The first wave of GM Lions interviews focused on people with extensive experience in the NFL, and former Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, who worked with Colbert in Detroit, is considered by many in the league to be very well placed for this location as it is. The Lions will begin interviewing non-GMs who are currently under contract with the NFL this week, a group that league sources say likely include Rams scouting director Brad Holmes and Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds. and Vikings Deputy General Manager George Paton, among others.

The Lions will also begin to focus more on opening their head coach, with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh among the top names on their wishlist.

Colbert worked on a series of one-year contracts with the Steelers by his own design and that will continue until 2021, sources said. As the Steelers face critical questions about Ben Roethlisberger’s future, and their potential cap issues, and with Bud Dupree among their top free agents, it would be more than shocking for Colbert to even consider returning to Pittsburgh, where he and coach Mike Tomlin share a great working relationship and with the Rooney family who want Colbert to oversee the roster for as long as he wants.

Colbert has been outspoken about his eventual retirement, which is a big part of why he goes year after year, but sources said he was not yet ready to leave the game as the Steelers won. another AFC North title.