Jim Caldwell will return as head coach of the Detroit Lions.
New general manager Bob Quinn spent his first week on the job considering Caldwell, who remained during Lions owner Martha Ford’s in-season housecleaning that claimed president Tom Lewand, general manager Martin Mayhew and three assistant coaches.
“As I stated Monday, I was looking forward to the opportunity to get to know Jim,” Quinn said in a statement. “After spending a significant amount of time together, it is clear that our football philosophies are very similar.
“Consequently, I am convinced he is the right man to lead our football team moving forward. Jim’s entire body of work is impressive.”
The Lions finished the season 7-9, third in the NFC North. Quinn said he looked beyond the 2015 season but saw a silver lining last season.
“Not only did he lead the Lions to the playoffs his first season here, but when you look at how the players responded the second half of last season, under difficult circumstances, it’s clear to me that this team believes in him and responds positively to his leadership,” Quinn said. “Our entire focus now is on the offseason and all that it entails.”
Caldwell is beloved by players, including 30-year-old wide receiver Calvin Johnson, one of the key figures in the Lions’ offseason.
Johnson has said he is weighing his future, including retirement. But should he return, his base salary for 2016 is scheduled to be $16 million and his cap hit for the Lions is $24 million.
“I am obviously thrilled that I will continue to lead this football team,” Caldwell said. “I genuinely appreciate the faith Bob has shown in me, and I really look forward to working together.
“As I’ve said before, I truly love coaching the Lions and, while I’ve only been here two years, I have grown to love our fans, the City of Detroit, and the people of Detroit and Michigan. Their loyalty and passion is incredible and we want nothing more than to bring them a championship.”