Lions keep coach Jim Caldwell for 3rd year, 1st with new GM

Jim Caldwell had several get-to-know-you meetings with new Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn over the last few days, and the two hit it off well enough that Quinn chose to bring back Caldwell for a third season as coach. He is the only Lions coach to have a winning record (18-14) after two years. Detroit dropped six of its first seven games in 2015 before finishing 7-9.

6 Sports Director Fred Heumann will have more on this developing story online and on 6 News at 6 and 11.

“I am obviously thrilled that I will continue to lead this football team”, Caldwell said. Quinn continued. “Jim’s entire body of work is impressive”.

The Lions gave Caldwell a chance to lead an National Football League team for a second time. The Hail Mary was actually a low point for Caldwell, as he was criticized for having his team defend against a lateral play instead of defending in the end zone, but the Lions did win three of four after that.

In Detroit’s final 8 games of the season, Stafford completed just a shade under 70 percent of his passes (69.97%), threw 19 touchdowns and just 2 interceptions, while averaging 272 yards passing per game. Quinn’s a young GM, and it might not be the best look in the world to show up and fire an entire staff, particularly without any sure-fire candidate out there. Caldwell’s job status was unknown, after a change in the front office.