Ryan Griffin
It’s official, Nation. Jim Caldwell will be the Detroit Lions head football coach for the foreseeable future.
Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Lions, a league source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2017
Caldwell has been coaching the Lions since 2014, and in that time has compiled a 29-21 record, and his .580 win percentage is the highest by any Lions coach since Buddy Parker who coached the team from 1951-1956.
Caldwell is often-maligned by fans but revered by players and other coaches.
The Lions have made the playoffs in two out of three years under Caldwell and many have the team pegged to return to the postseason this year, perhaps even hosting the franchise’s first playoff game since 1993.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal was actually closed months ago, it was just not disclosed.
Jim Caldwell’s multi-year deal was signed months ago, just not disclosed, per source. Deal silences speculation he was in last year of deal.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2017
This deal, partnered with quarterback Matthew Stafford’s $135-million dollar contract gives clear direction to where the Lions are headed moving forward and lays to rest any talk that General Manager Bob Quinn was using 2017 as a “prove yourself” year for Caldwell.
Details of the extension have not been disclosed, but gauging by the reactions on Twitter, Lions fans and NFL followers alike expect it to be pretty hefty.
Jim Caldwell right now pic.twitter.com/hYsWAKbeYD
— HIM (@CrazyCodie) September 23, 2017
Well deserved paying Jim Caldwell ???????????????? #OnePride
— Karl ???????????? (@Kroske99) September 23, 2017
Jim Caldwell's contract extension is well-deserved. Team responds well to him and he really began the culture shift in Detroit. #Lions
— Jennifer Hammond (@HammerFox2) September 23, 2017
There are still a lot of fans who are not sold on Caldwell as a head coach, but there has been an undeniable culture change in Detroit since his arrival.
The Lions have undoubtedly hitched their wagon to their quarterback and coach of the future. It will now be up to Bob Quinn to acquire the right players so that Caldwell can do his job and put them in the best positions to succeed. There is no more grace period for Quinn, he has chosen who sees fit to run his organization, and this move, partnered with the extension of Stafford will play a big role in defining what his legacy will be in Detroit.
