Detroit Lions

Jim Caldwell is 'not worried' about his evaluation, future in Detroit

Published Dec. 29, 2015 10:47 a.m. ET

foxsports

Jim Caldwell's second season as head coach of the Detroit Lions hasn't gone according to plan. After making the playoffs with an 11-5 record in 2014, the Lions started 1-7 and are now 6-9 with one game left this season.

Caldwell has come under fire amid the disappointment. Although his seat has warmed at a rapid rate this year, he's not looking too far ahead.

Via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press:

I'm not worried about my evaluation. I don't evaluate myself, someone else does. All I'm worried about is winning. I'm worried about this particular ballgame coming up. That's my focus. Anything else, that's somebody else's problem.

The Lions can finish 7-9 with a win over the Chicago Bears -- a team they beat, 37-34 (OT), in Week 6 -- on Sunday. By beating the Bears, they can finish the year with six wins in their final eight games. They can also finish third in the NFC North.

No matter what happens in the season finale, this year will be a letdown after the standard that was set in 2014. However, Caldwell may be able to hang onto his job by finishing strong and avoiding last place in the division.