After watching Ken Whisenhunt go to the Tennessee Titans, the Detroit Lions responded with the hiring of Jim Caldwell. Caldwell, 58, has been quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens since 2012. Prior to that, he was head coach of the Colts for three seasons. In his first season, he started 14 and O but ended up losing Super Bowl XLIV. The following year, the Colts won their division but lost in their first game of the playoffs. His final season was less than impressive as he went 2 and 14 without starting quarterback Peyton Manning.
Whisenhunt was the assumed front runner for the Lions job and was expected to be hired after the Chargers’ early playoff exit.
Whisenhunt shocked everyone as he opted to go with the Titans job. There seems to be two possibilities to why Whisenhunt saw the Titians job as more attractive. First, Whisenhunt prefers a 3-4 defense which would be a change from the Lions’ 4-3 defense. Another problem may have been with quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Titians have a more open situation at quarterback so it would be easier for Whisenhunt to bring in the guy that he wants.
As we saw with his interview, Caldwell is very committed to helping the progression of Matthew Stafford. It is now time for him to get to work on the problems that he identified in the film that he watched. Caldwell is no stranger to great quarterbacks as he worked with Peyton Manning from 2002 to 2010. He also comes with personal endorsements from both Tony Dungy and Peyton Manning.
Caldwell is a former defensive back at the University of Iowa.
His first quarterbacks coach job was for Penn State in 1986. He worked there until he was hired by Wake Forest to become the first African American head coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference. After his stint with Wake Forest, he made the jump to the NFL by taking the quarterbacks coach job with the Buccaneers. He only spent one year with the Buccaneers before starting his tenure with the Colts.
Now the quest for coordinators will begin. Baltimore secondary coach, Teryl Austin, is one of the favorites to take over for Gunther Cunningham. Another interesting candidate for a job on the staff is Jim Tressel. Tressel coached as an offensive consultant under Jim Caldwell in his final season with the Colts.
Offensive coordinator is where the Lions need to be smart. They would benefit the most from the hiring of an experienced play caller. Overall, the Lions need a staff that will play to their strengths while stressing discipline and a winning attitude.
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