In late September, news broke that the Detroit Lions had given head coach Jim Caldwell a multi-year contract extension. The news certainly caught many Lions fans off-guard as most believed the 2017 season was a “prove-it” year for Caldwell as it was supposed to be the final year of his contract.
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According to a report from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, he has learned from “multiple sources” that Caldwell did receive an extension but it was only for 1-year, through the 2018 season.
Remember the contract extension #Lions coach Jim Caldwell received? Sources say it was really just for 1 year through 2018 with a team option for the future. His contract won't affect his job security. My story: https://t.co/t8uxwbUTBb
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 10, 2017
From NFL.com:
The status of Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell is once again murky.
In late September, the belief was Caldwell had received a multi-year contract extension from the Lions that stretched beyond 2018, insinuating his job would remain safe after this season. However, multiple sources informed of the situation say that is not the case.
In fact, Caldwell’s extension is merely for one year, sources say, with an option following next season. Rather than lock him in for the future, it simply prevents Caldwell from being a lame duck coach this season. The Lions haven’t made a decision on Caldwell’s future, nor will they until this season ends. But the contract extension he received won’t factor into it.
Since becoming the head coach of the Lions prior to the 2014 season, Caldwell has led the team to a 33-27 regular season record, with playoff berths in two out of his first three seasons in Detroit.
With the chances of making the NFL Playoffs being very thin for the Lions, general manager Bob Quinn will have a very important decision to make very shortly regarding the future of Jim Caldwell.
