Detroit gave little reason for its to fans to be hopeful this season. But the team is doing what it can today to try to turn it around for next season.

The Lions requested and received permission Monday to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who is regarded as one of the pre-eminent coaching candidates this offseason. Spagnuolo must interview with the Lions this week, during the Giants’ bye, before New York ramps up its preparations for a divisional playoff game next Sunday.

Plus, the Lions are not the only interested team. The Browns also plan to ask for permission to interview Spagnuolo, if they haven’t done so already. St. Louis is also thought to be in the mix.

Spagnuolo might be more apt to make the jump this season from coordinator to coach; last season he was a finalist for the Redskins coaching job before withdrawing from consideration. Now he is under consideration again, and just as coveted.