Detroit Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell: The Quarterback Whisperer
By Mike Payton
Brad Johnson
Before Caldwell spent the majority of his career in Indianapolis, he had a one year stop with the Tampa bay Buccaneers. Tony Dungy brought in Caldwell to take over as the team’s quarterback coach and help get 33-year-old quarterback Brad Johnson on track. This would be Caldwell’s first success in his journey as a quarterback whisperer.
Pre-Caldwell
| Year | Cmp % | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | TD % | Int % | Team Record |
| 2000 | 62.5 | 2505 | 11 | 15 | 3.00% | 4.10% | N/A |
The team record is not applicable due to Johnson playing for the Washington Redskins in 2000. While Johnson’s completion percentage is above sixty percent. He managed to do little in his final year in Washington. Once Trent Dilfer left Tampa Bay, Johnson was brought on to make a run at the Super Bowl.
With Caldwell
| Year | Cmp % | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | TD % | Int % | Team Record |
| 2001 | 60.8 | 3406 | 13 | 11 | 5.00% | 3.70% | 9 wins, 7 losses |
While this isn’t exactly Pro Bowl stuff, It is an improvement. Caldwell was able to help Johnson improve his touchdown and interception percentages. While Caldwell and Dungy would head to Indianapolis in 2002, Brad Johnson went on to have the best year of his NFL career and help the Buccaneers win their first Super Bowl.
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