Sneaky Detroit Lions signed Jim Caldwell to an extension months ago
After months of speculation about his future in the Motor City, it’s now been revealed the Detroit Lions signed head coach Jim Caldwell to a contract extension months ago.
Those sneaky Detroit Lions. The legendary franchise has always been a little cagey when doling out information. And on Saturday, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter dropped a bomb when he reported that the Lions’ front office and head coach Jim Caldwell signed a contract extension months ago.
One of the running themes this offseason, and into the regular one, was the fact Caldwell was in the final year of his contract in Detroit. And he’s been dodging questions about his future in Detroit daily.
Since joining the Lions as their head coach in January of 2014, the 62-year old has led the team to the postseason twice in his first three seasons. Caldwell has a 27-21 win/loss regular season record in that span. You can add two more to the win column so far this year as well.
Although the details of the contract extension (years, financials) are not yet known, the fact Caldwell finally has some job security should only bolster his confidence and the ability to do his job without a looming contract extension hanging over his head.
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Lions, a league source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2017
Jim Caldwell’s multi-year deal was signed months ago, just not disclosed, per source. Deal silences speculation he was in last year of deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2017
Caldwell got his first head coaching in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts back in 2008. In his first seasons in Indy, the rookie head coach led the Colts to a 14-2 record and a Super Bowl bid. But just two years later, and primarily due to a season-ending neck injury suffered by All-Pro quarterback Peyton Manning, Caldwell was unceremoniously fired after a heartbreaking 2-14 season.
The talented Caldwell was quickly hired by the Baltimore Ravens as their quarterbacks’ coach. Before the end of his first season in Baltimore, he was named as promoted to offensive coordinator. And the next season, Caldwell helped led that team to a Super Bowl win.
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If Peyton Manning wasn’t injured during that final year in Indianapolis, Jim Caldwell might be considered one of the winningest coaches in pro football right now. But the one thing he’s lacked in all his years in the NFL is job security. Caldwell now has that in Detroit. Let’s see if it makes a difference.