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Detroit Lions: Jim Caldwell contract extension a no-brainer

By Forrester Solmen

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Caldwell of the Detroit Lions reacts against the New York Giants in the first half at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Jim Caldwell of the Detroit Lions reacts against the New York Giants in the first half at MetLife Stadium on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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Head coach Jim Caldwell doesn’t get enough love in the Motor City. The Detroit Lions certainly showed it by extending his contract.

For the foreseeable future, the Detroit Lions will have their head coach, Jim Caldwell, locked up. Signing the 62-year old coach to a multi-year extension earlier this year, although it was just announced on Saturday, is yet another phenomenal move by this Lions’ front office in the early part of the 2017 season.

The first move was retaining quarterback Matthew Stafford to a contract that made him the highest paid player in the NFL, ever. It’s nice to see the Lions recognize the value of its players and personnel. Both of these guys don’t get enough credit, even though they have earned their stripes.

Stafford owns damn-near every franchise record as a passer and still gets disrespected by a lot of fans. Caldwell holds the best win percentage (0.58) by a Lions head coach in the Super Bowl era and yet he was on the hot seat. Well, not anymore.

Too often, people get too short of a leash. Those involved in the NFL know that all too well, especially Caldwell.

You’d think a guy who has won two Super Bowls as an assistant coach with two different teams (Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens) would keep a job. Those winning ways have trickled onto the Lions as Caldwell has led them to two playoff appearances since arriving in 2014. Detroit also has the 10th best record during that span.

The hope is to earn a playoff win at the very least. It’s only been 60 years (1957 NFL Championship) since Detroit’s last playoff win.

With that win percentage, winning pedigree, and support from his team, expect the Lions to make some noise sooner than later.

Next: Detroit Lions fans, how are you handling being 2-0?

Time will tell if Jim Caldwell becomes the best head coach in franchise history. For now, things are looking up and trending in the right direction. The Detroit Lions needed to pull the trigger and it is a good thing they did.

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