Lions want to make Mariucci coach today

The AssociatedPress

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions hope to hire Steve Mariucci as their next coach today after trying to reach a deal for the past six days.

"While there was significant progress made during those discussions, no deal has yet been finalized that would make Steve our next head coach," Lions spokesman Bill Keenist said Monday night. "We are hopeful that an agreement can be reached with Steve by the end of the day" today.

Mariucci, who was born and raised in Iron Mountain, Mich., was fired by San Francisco on Jan. 15 after compiling a 60-43 record with four playoff appearances over six seasons.

Mariucci's agent, Gary O'Hagan, said Monday night that negotiations were moving forward with the Lions.

"It's progressing positively," said O'Hagan, who declined to elaborate.

Marty Mornhinweg was fired by Detroit on Jan. 27, a month after the Lions finished 3-13. Mornhinweg, an offensive coordinator under Mariucci with the 49ers, went 5-27 in two seasons -- the worst two-year stretch in team history.

Mariucci was 17 games over .500 in San Francisco despite taking over during a rebuilding period. He went 3-4 in the postseason.

Since 1957, the Lions have only one playoff victory.