NFL Notes: Jim Caldwell, Bears, Jaguars, Titans

January 31, 2018

Jim Caldwell

Tony Dungy said Tuesday that he doubts that former Lions HC Jim Caldwell will return as an assistant coach next season and that he will be selective with his next coaching job.

“I doubt that he’ll do that,” Dungy said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I can’t speak for him, but I think he’s done as much as you can do — other than win a Super Bowl, he’s done as much as you can do in football. I think he’s very, very content right now to see what the Lord holds for him.”

Based on their last conversation, Dungy said that he does not think Caldwell will “seek out anything” in regards to coaching.

“The last I had spoke with Coach Caldwell, he said he is going to take good care of his wife and his grandkids and he’s going to enjoy life,” Dungy said. “If someone wants him to coach their team, he would love to do it, but he’s not going to seek out anything and we’ll see what happens. He’s going to leave it in the Lord’s hands and see where it goes.”

Bears

According to Adam Caplan, the Bears signing retired OL Donovan Raiola to their coaching staff as an assistant OL coach.

Jaguars

Mike Kaye of FirstCoastNews takes a look at five potential cap casualties worth watching for the Jaguars this offseason.

Kaye’s list includes WR Allen Hurns, OT Jermey Parnell, P Brad Nortman, RB Chris Ivory and DL Abry Jones.
In regards to Hurns, Kaye mentions that cutting him loose would free up $7 million of cap space that they could use to retain Allen Robinson, who will be a free agent. Beyond that, Jaguars rookie WRs Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole both stepped up while Hurns was out and are cheaper options moving forward.
Kaye admits that the only way the Jaguars would cut Parnell is if they draft tackle they feel can start.
As for Ivory, Kaye says he simply isn’t worth the $6.93 million he’s owed for the 2018 season and Jacksonville can move forward with T.J. Yeldon and Corey Grant behind Leonard Fournette.
One possibility pertaining to Jones is that the Jaguars will approach him about a pay cut, writes Kaye.

Titans

Paul Kuharsky reports that the Titans are promoting Craig Aukerman to special teams coordinator under Mike Vrabel.
Alex Marvez reports that the Titans are hiring former Dolphins DL coach Terrell Williams to the same position in Tennessee.