The Detroit Lions have reportedly set their sights on San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt as their next head coach.

Whisenhunt joined the Chargers this season, helping them reach the playoffs and playing a big part in the revival of quarterback Philip Rivers.

Prior to that, Whisenhunt coached the Arizona Cardinals for six years, guiding them to their only Super Bowl appearance in franchise history before eventually being sacked following the 2012 campaign.

The Lions will not be able to appoint Whisenhunt until the Chargers' season is over, something which could happen next Sunday when they face the Denver Broncos in the Divisional round of the playoffs.

The 51-year-old is believed to have the advantage over other candidates for the job due to his ability to get the best out of struggling quarterbacks, while he is also a former teammate of Lions general manager Martin Mayhew.

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is also on the Lions' wishlist to replace Jim Schwartz, who was sacked last Monday after Detroit lost six of their last seven games to miss out on the NFL playoffs.