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But MLive.com's Anwar Richardson reports that offensive coordinator Scott Linehan's job appears safe.
The Lions have been plagued by slow starts and inconsistent offensive play this season, but head coach Jim Schwartz blames turnovers and injuries, not Linehan, for Detroit's struggles to score regularly this season.
"I think he's done a great job," Schwartz said. "Again, particularly the ball security stuff (has been a problem). An offensive coordinator's job is to put guys in position to make plays. I think that over the course of the season, we've been in a good position to make plays. The fact that we've still been able to continue to get the ball to Calvin [Johnson].
"It's one thing when all those other guys were healthy, and you have a lot of other options. A lot of times people will say, 'Hey, you forget about Calvin a little bit when you have all those options.' Well, we really haven't. Defenses have known that, too, and they've taken an approach of trying to take him out of the game plan, but Scott's done a good job of creating ways to still get him the football. Matt [Stafford has] done a good job of delivering the football."
Detroit's overall offense is currently ranked second in the NFL; the passing game is ranked first; Detroit is ranked second in total first downs (No.1 in passing first downs) and seventh in third-down efficiency.
Schwartz's endorsement might be good news for Linehan, but the coordinator was not worried when about his job security when asked after today's practice.
"Coaching is not a stable profession," Linehan said. "If you're worried about saving your job instead of doing your job, you're doing it for the wrong reasons. I think the biggest thing is getting ready to finish this season strong and focus on what we got to do to flip the script next year."
Linehan is happy with his team's offensive production, but believes turnovers and injuries have been the biggest issues.
Detroit has fumbled 21 times (13 lost) this season compared to 20 fumbles (seven lost) last season. Stafford has thrown 16 interceptions this season, the same number he threw in 2011.
The Lions lost receivers Nate Burleson, Titus Young and Ryan Broyles to season-ending injuries this year. Detroit also hoped running back Jahvid Best would be cleared for contact, but he missed this season due to a previous concussion injury.
CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora suggested earlier this week that Linehan's run in Detroit was about to end. Sounds like that won't be the case.
Meanwhile, Schwartz says he and general manager Martin Mayhew have a fine relationship, despite a report to the contrary.
A day after Don Banks of SI.com reported that tension has developed between Schwartz and Mayhew about the collection of players with character problems the Lions have acquired over the last couple of years, Schwartz said that’s not the case.
“It couldn’t be further from the truth,” Schwartz said, via the Detroit News. “I don’t like to comment on rumors, particularly from people not in our building that don’t see us every day, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We are all in this together and we are all very determined to get us back on the right track.”