The firing of Jim Caldwell from the Detroit Lions has not come without any criticism. While just about everybody respected Jim Caldwell for his class and character, some wanted him to stay despite his inability to advance in the playoffs. One of those people that believed in Caldwell is Hall of Fame coach and current Sunday Night Football Host, Tony Dungy.
Dungy has always been a supporter of Caldwell, who served as an assistant coach to him during his time in Indianapolis. Among other things, Dungy has always been supportive and high on the Lions during his Sunday Night Football show. The latest quote coming from Dungy displays his feelings towards the firing of Caldwell.
http://gty.im/900847226
“Well, it’s disappointing,” Dungy said. “They didn’t win enough, I guess. I went through that in Tampa and you always feel like you can bring someone else in who can win more. But Jim Caldwell, I think, turned that team around. He brought a class to the organization. They’re doing things the right way. I think they’re close. It’s always disappointing to me when any coach loses their job.”
Dungy’s take is nothing that Detroit fans do not agree with. From the beginning, Caldwell was a class guy who certainly brought class to the organization. However, just as Dungy said, he did not win enough to keep his job in the Motor City. Just like former head coach Jim Schwartz, Caldwell was unable to win in the playoffs and thanks to those two coaches, the Lions now have bigger goals than simply just getting there. That goal is to contend for a Super Bowl.
So the attention turns to a guy that the Lions feel can win there, current New England Patriots defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia. And just like Schwartz and Caldwell, he will also be fired if unable to take that next step.
