A longshot to be the next Lions head coach withdrew from consideration Friday.

Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett pulled out of the running to replace Rod Marinelli before going through the interview process, according to the National Football Post. Calls to Garrett's cell phone were not returned Thursday or Friday, and the Lions have said they will not confirm or deny rumors during the search.

The Lions have interviewed at least one candidate this week, speaking with Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on Thursday, an NFL source confirmed. Originally, they were scheduled to meet with Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray on Friday, but it's unclear if that interview took place. On Saturday, they will meet with Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Spagnuolo and Schwartz are two of the most sought-after coordinators in the league. Spagnuolo met Thursday with the Browns and is scheduled to interview with the Jets and Broncos on Saturday, according to multiple media reports. Schwartz, who interviewed in Washington, Miami and Atlanta last year, is a candidate in Cleveland and St. Louis.

Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles also are on the Lions' short list, and the Lions have been granted permission to interview Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Mularkey, Bowles and Frazier are not available for interviews until next week because their teams have opening-round playoff games this weekend.