7 Reasons the Lions Will Make the Playoffs in 2016

Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field. Lions win 32-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Ford Field. Lions win 32-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 35-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 35-27. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

3. Caldwell on the Hot Seat

Head coach Jim Caldwell is in a make or break year. With only one more year left on his contract after the 2016 season, the Lions can choose to part ways with the players’ coach if he doesn’t meet expectations.

Many people, fans and journalists alike, think 2016 is playoffs or bust for Caldwell. The even keeled coach has assembled a pretty good surrounding cast that includes DC Teryl Austin and OC Jim Bob Cooter. In addition to the coordinators, the staff also boasts Alan Williams, Bill Sheridan, Ron Prince and Randy Edsall. That’s a ton of football experience.

Next: Everybody Loves Cooter

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