Jim Caldwell denies report he turned down interview requests

After a report surfaced detailing his candidacy (or lack thereof) for two head coaching openings, former Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has refuted it.

Former Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has re-emerged as a candidate in this hiring cycle, with two interviews (Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears) in the books. On Friday ESPN reported Caldwell turned down two more interviews, with the Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders, as he apparently sits firmly in the mix for the job openings in Chicago and Jacksonville.

The 67-year old Caldwell spent four seasons as Lions’ head coach (2014-2017), with a 36-28 record, three winning records and two playoff appearances. He also led the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl in his first season as a head coach in 2009, and he’s got a 62-50 regular season record as a head coach.

Caldwell is not a fit for every head coaching opening, and it’s worth wondering if he might ultimately end up as an offensive coordinator somewhere if he doesn’t get his third shot as a head coach this year.

Though Caldwell could have good reasons, it’s not a great look to turn down interview opportunities. But…

Jim Caldwell calmly refutes report he turned down interview requests

Early Saturday morning, Caldwell released a statement on Twitter.

"I would like to correct an erroneous report that I turned down opportunities to interview for the head coaching job with Minnesota and Las Vegas,” Caldwell said. “Those reports are not true. I have profound respect for both organizations and for the Wilf and Davis families and I did not decline any opportunity to interview with them.”"

Caldwell didn’t say if he will be meeting with the Vikings and/or the Raiders in the near future. The insinuation from him is Minnesota and Las Vegas haven’t asked to interview him, so there have been no interview opportunities to turn down.