Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that while reports from a few months ago mentioned that Lions HC Jim Caldwell signed a multi-year extension with Detroit during the offseason that would keep him in Detroit beyond the 2018 season, multiple sources have instead told him that this isn’t actually the case.
Instead, Rapoport says that Caldwell got just a one-year extension, which prevents him from being a lame duck coach during the 2018 season. Michael Rothstein of ESPN adds that Caldwell’s contract also includes team options beyond the the 2018 season.
As of now, the Lions haven’t made a decision regarding his future and Rapoport expects them to wait until the year is out before determining anything related to his job status.
However, it’s clear that Caldwell could be coaching for his job down the stretch of the season.
Lions GM Bob Quinn did not hire Caldwell but has kept him in place as their head coach since he took the job back in 2016.
If the Lions want to move on from Caldwell and open the search, it could be an appealing opportunity for some notable coaching candidates, considering that they have a franchise quarterback in place and under contract for the foreseeable as well as some building blocks to worth.
Caldwell, 62, began his head coaching career with the Colts back in 2009 after taking over for Tony Dungy. He spent three years in charge of Indianapolis before he was fired after the 2011 season.
After a stint with the Ravens as their offensive coordinator, the Lions hired him as their head coach in 2015.
Overall, Caldwell has led the Lions to a record of 33-27 (54.6 percent), which includes two playoff appearances.
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