NFL coaching tracker: Redskins interested in James Franklin, Sean McDermott

The Washington Redskins' expansive coaching search is continuing in earnest, as they're scheduled to interview Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and are reportedly interested in Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, the Redskins will travel to Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday to meet with McDermott, whose Panthers are enjoying a first-round bye as they prepare for the divisional round of the NFC playoffs. He has engineered one of the league's best defenses in his third year as the team's DC and has them ranked No. 2 in both yards and points allowed. The Redskins could certainly use some help on that side of the ball after finishing second-to-last in total defense this season.

Washington has also requested an interview with Franklin, who has led a revitalization at historically inept Vandy and has the Commodores 8-4 this season and playing in the BBVA Compass Bowl on Saturday. He's been one the hottest names among both college and NFL coaching rumors, as he's already interviewed with the Houston Texans and is considered a candidate for the Cleveland Browns, Penn State and Texas jobs.

The Redskins also interviewed Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Rich Bisaccia on Friday and are eyeing a sit-down with New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, according to Mark Maske of the Washington Post.

The Browns interviewed Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles on Friday and plan to bring in Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn for an interview, per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport.

Detroit Lions

The Lions seem to have a more offensive direction in mind -- specifically San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. Rapoport reported this week that the team was checking references on Whisenhunt and described their interest level as "very strong."

Whisenhunt is considered one of the top offensive minds in the game, and would have some major toys to tinker with in Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Reggie Bush. Before landing in San Diego, he was an offensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers and spent five seasons as the head coach of the Cardinals.

Bowles's name has also been floated in connection with the Vikings, but coaching rumors in Minnesota are relatively quiet as the front office deals with the accusations of former punter Chris Kluwe in an article published by Deadspin on Thursday. Kluwe accused the team of releasing him for his same-sex marriage activism.

Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak has been fired after the Titans started the season 3-1 but stumbled to a 7-9 finish. Early reports on Saturday indicated team president Tommy Smith planned to keep him on for another season, but news of his termination came down shortly after. Reports indicate he was offered the opportunity to come back but with the condition he would have to fire a good deal of his staff.

Leslie Frazier has landed on his feet rather quickly after being dumped as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. He confirmed on Friday he will be heading to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to become Lovie Smith's new defensive coordinator.

Frazier spent four years in charge of the Vikings defense before serving as the head coach for the next three. Prior to that, he was the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals for two seasons.

Bill O'Brien, hired earlier in the week as head coach of the Texans, is filling in his own staff in Houston. According to FOX Sports's Alex Marvez, former Kansas City Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel is expected to become O'Brien's defensive coordinator.

O'Brien and Crennel spent time together as assistants with the New England Patriots, and the Texans' new staff is expected to have a "heavy Patriots feel."