The Detroit Lions have had quite an exodus of coaches since their season ended, and there’s a chance it’s not over. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery has interviewed for the offensive coordinator post with the Dallas Cowboys under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Montgomery is one of four reported candidates for the job right now, joining former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach Kevin Koger and Arizona Cardinals offensive line coach Klayton Adams. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo has reported Adams, who is having an in-person interview on Friday, is the favorite for the job.

The Lions’ offensive coaching staff has had a lot of turnover this offseason. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, tight ends coach Steve Heiden, assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett are officiallu gone, and by the time you’re reading this passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand might be the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator. Engstrand has already been replaced by former Stanford head coach David Shaw.

Lions RB coach Scottie Montgomery interviews for Cowboys offensive coordinator job

Montgomery has been the Lions’ assistant head coach and running backs coach for the past two seasons, as he replaced Duce Staley. He has been instrumental in the growth of 2023 first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs finished fifth in the league in rushing yards this year (1,412), third in yards per carry (5.6) and he tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns (16) despite sharing work with David Montgomery.

The Lions have had a top-six rushing attack in the league in each of Montgomery’s two seasons. They tied for first in the league in rushing touchdowns in 2023, with 27, and they finished second in the league rushing touchdowns this season with 29.

With wide-ranging experience over a 19-year coaching career and Campbell’s intent to maintain as much of the Lions’ offense as possible, Montgomery was arguably the top internal candidate to replace Johnson as offensive coordinator. That job of course went to John Morton this week, which potentially explains why Montgomery took the interview for the offensive coordinator post in Dallas as Schottenheimer forms his staff.

It appears Montgomery is not the top candidate to be the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, but that he interviewed is a little interesting.