Jim Caldwell Will Be In High Demand as Offensive Coordinator

CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 24: Head coach Jim Caldwell of the Detroit Lions looks on against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Jim Caldwell got the Detroit Lions to the playoffs twice during his tenure in charge, but alas that wasn’t enough. He’s likely to be fired.

According to Ian Rapoport expectations are this Sunday will be his swan song in the Motor City. At that point early speculation is he’ll be replaced by New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. At that point the questions will linger as to what Caldwell does next. At 62-years old he’s certainly not of the younger variety anymore. Could retirement be an option? That doesn’t seem likely at this point. Thus it becomes a matter of what he aims to do.

Will he try to get another head coaching job? His odds on that front aren’t likely given his age. At the same time there is no question he’ll have a market of teams interested. That’s because he has a strong reputation as an offensive coordinator. Caldwell had tremendous success in Indianapolis as a quarterbacks coach. After his run as head coach replacing Tony Dungy he was then hired by the Baltimore Ravens. It was there people got a glimpse of what he could do.

Caldwell is a QB specialist who did wonders for Joe Flacco

The first thing people will point to when referencing Caldwell is his reputation at QB. Particularly the work he did in 2012 with Joe Flacco of the Ravens. In week 15 offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was fired. Much of the reason being the erratic play of Flacco. They knew unless they got him playing under control they would stand no chance of going to the Super Bowl. So they promoted Caldwell in hopes of changing their fortunes.

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From that point on over the next six games including the Super Bowl itself, Flacco threw 13 touchdown passes without a single interception. It was a remarkable run and even more impressive adjustment given Caldwell had so little time to prepare. There is no doubt another team will be hoping he can bring some of that same magic to their own offense, especially the quarterback.

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