Jim Bob Cooter should be next Detroit Lions coach to go

The Detroit Lions front office made the big move Monday to fire Jim Caldwell, next they should let go of offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter.

Where is the outcry from Detroit Lions fans about offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter? It seems former head coach Jim Caldwell is the only person that’s been held accountable for this seasons failures.

The Detroit Lions used the first day of the new year to relieve Jim Caldwell of his duties. This came as no surprise to the one-pride nation. It had already been reported that Sunday’s match-up against the Green Bay Packers would be Caldwell’s last with the team.

Caldwell has taken most of the blame for Detroit’s failed season, and rightfully so. Caldwell served as the sacrificial lamb, allowing others mistakes to go unnoticed.

Jim Bob Cooter is a prime example of that. Cooter failed week after week to get the offense going early. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the offense were always battling from behind.

The Lions went into the 2nd quarter with the lead a total of four times this year. Seven times they trailed, and five times they were tied. There’s no way to sustain any type of success if a team is constantly trying to battle back.

Questionable play-calls such as running the ball on 3rd and 28 were not out of the ordinary for JBC. Doing that with a team that is at the very bottom of the league in every running category is nothing short of insanity.

Matthew Stafford came to Cooter’s defense Monday while cleaning out his locker. He told reporters that he’s playing the best football of his career, thanks in part to Jim Bob. Stafford went on to say that he hopes to continue to work with Cooter next season. The Lions quarterback had also come to Jim Caldwell’s defense before their Week 17 match-up against Green Bay.

Next: Detroit Lions to Jim Caldwell: 9-7 is no longer the goal

Much like Caldwell, Cooter’s effort is just too little too late.

Think about all the times Stafford and the offense lined up on the one-yard line and ended up having to settle for a field goal. Then in Week 17 Cooter unleashes a trick play that works brilliantly to score a two-point conversion. Why wait to use that play in a meaningless game?

Don’t get me wrong, I like many others loved JBC when he first arrived in Detroit. He has helped Stafford improve, there’s no arguing that. But much like Caldwell, Cooter has reached his ceiling with the team. It’s time for Bob Quinn to bring in another new face to take the reins of this offense.