Seattle Seahawks situation is much better for John Schneider than Detroit
The case to leave
So, it’s not surprising the Lions are interested in Schneider. He is under team control, and the NFL has anti-tampering rules. What is there to worry about? Why would Schneider want to leave?
“The pasture on the other side of Mount Rainier might be greener.” Schneider is a midwesterner, and the Lions represent a move back to his roots (Wisconsin native). In 2018, when the Green Bay Packers moved on from then-GM Ted Thompson, the rumors were great that Schneider would go back to the Pack. They were the first NFL organization he worked for.
Obviously, he didn’t, as he’s still Seattle’s GM. That can be explained by Schneider being under contract until 2021 with no “out clause.” Well, 2021 is here, and his contract ends after the 2022 draft, that’s about 16 months. Set the Schneider Departure Panic Level to 7 (out of 10).
What could the Lions possibly offer that’s enticing enough for Schneider to leave? This is what the Lions have to offer primary authority over all personnel decisions. In Seattle, the power resides with Carroll. This isn’t a big issue since both are men are on the same wavelength. Under the NFL’s anti-tampering policy, the Lions or another team can try to interview Schneider only if they offered him full control. In other words, a big promotion. Escalate to Panic Level 9! A job with that kind of power, along with a nice pay raise, can be enticing enough for Schneider to move.
One other incentive for Schneider to move on is that Carroll casts a long shadow. The only way he gets out from under it is to be successful someplace else. Certainly, a temptation if Schneider was ego-driven. Something he hasn’t shown in a decade in the Emerald City.