The Detroit Lions had their opportunity and once again, they failed.

With everything on the line on Sunday afternoon against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Lions came out flat (again) and ended up losing 26-17. The loss officially eliminated Detroit from playoff contention and reports are that head coach Jim Caldwell will be fired following the Lions Week 17 game against the Green Bay Packers.

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So now the speculation begins as to who will be the next head coach of the Lions. One rumor has the Lions linked to New England Patriots defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia while other have Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as the favorite to land the gig.

Following the Lions loss to the Bengals, former Detroit News columnist and 97.1 The Ticket personality Terry Foster tweeted something very interesting.

“The Lions will make a serious play for Jon Gruden.” Foster tweeted.

The Lions will make a serious play for Jon Gruden

— Terry Foster (@TerryFoster971) December 24, 2017

When asked to reveal his source, Foster would not do so but he did say the source was somebody within the Lions organization.

I cannot tell you my source but a guy who cannot stand Caldwell believes it is in the works

— Terry Foster (@TerryFoster971) December 24, 2017

No. Someone in the organization said it. I brought up the new England coordonators. You must understand that it's the lazy owners who are in love with Gruden

— Terry Foster (@TerryFoster971) December 25, 2017

If you have been paying attention to the coaching rumors over the past couple of weeks, Jon Gruden’s name has been everywhere. One report from NFL.com even says that the Tampa Buccaneers is a “preferred destination” for Gruden. Another claims he is a target of the Bengals.

Gruden is best known for leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl XXXVII win over his former team, the Oakland Raiders.

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Ever since Gruden was fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009, his name has been brought up just about any time a head coaching job opens up, not only in the NFL but also in the college ranks.

Though he insists he will remain in the booth calling Monday Night Football games for ESPN, there have been reports that he has already been searching for possible coordinators just in case he does accept a head-coaching position for the 2018 season.