In concert with winning, the Detroit Lions have become an organization others want to copy. That means more than assistant coaches stand to be in-demand. According to Anthony Rothman of 97.1 The Fan in Columbus (OH), and confirmed by Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the New York Jets will interview Lions special assistant Chris Spielman for their general manager opening.

After firing head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn, the next big move Sheila Ford Hamp made as the Lions’ principal owner was bringing Spielman, the Lions all-time leading tackler, back to the franchise. He has played a key role in the organization at all levels, in a wide-ranging role where there’s little or nothing he doesn’t touch to some degree.

Before Brad Holmes was hired as general manager, Spielman said he didn’t feel he was qualified for that role.

“First he (Lions president Rod Wood) asked me if I wanted to interview for the GM job, and I said, ‘Very flattered that you asked, but I’m not qualified to be a general manager, but I do think I can help in other areas,’” Spielman said. “I’m not interested in being the general manager. I’m not interested in being the coach. I’m interested in being service-oriented towards you guys. I told them, ‘Look, I’ve climbed that mountain as a player. I’ve reached the epitome of what I could possibly reach as an NFL player.’ That was my goal, that was my dream.”

It appears Spielman’s tune has changed regarding his aspirations to be a general manager. It has been more than four years since he made those comments in an interview with Dave Pasch, and things change.

Chris Spielman is part of wide-ranging Jets’ GM search

Right or wrong, the Jets are interviewing everyone under the sun for their general manager and head coaching openings. Assistant general manager Ray Agnew would be an easy one from the Lions’ organization to interview for the general manager role, but they’re going with Spielman right now.

Not that Spielman isn’t amply qualified to be a general manager, but there is an important tie to note here. The Jets have enlisted The 33rd Team to help with their searches for new football leadership. Former NFL general manager Rick Spielman, Spielman’s brother, is directly involved with that help.

Time will tell how serious a candidate Spielman is here, or frankly how much he wants the job with the Jets with his brother aiding their searches. It seems unlikely he’d feel greatly compelled to leave the Lions, but never say never at this point.