Detroit Lions

Could Jim Bob Cooter Be The Next NFL Head Coach?

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:05 p.m. ET

Fansided, Shepard Price/FanSided via SideLion Report

Nov 1, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter reacts in the fourth quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during game 14 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. The Chiefs defeated the Lions 45-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Bob Cooter has been a large part of the Lions’ offensive turnaround the last two years. In fact, since his entrance after Week 8 of last year, Matthew Stafford has gone for 5,899 yards, 41 TDs, 10 ints, and 2 rushing touchdowns.

That’s after the abominable start in 2015 from former Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi.

Needless to say, the Detroit Lions aren’t the only ones impressed by Cooter’s turnaround of the offense and of Matthew Stafford. Even after the 6 point performance against the Giants.

When Michael Rothstein of ESPN was asked about Jim Bob’s potential head coaching promotion, he replied saying he didn’t think it was going to happen.

His reasoning: Cooter is only 32. The list of youngest NFL head coaches is an unimpressive list, excluding Don Shula (and even that was for the Baltimore Colts, not the Dolphins he would eventually lead to an undefeated record). And Jim Bob’s only been a coordinator in the NFL since 2015.

The Lions most likely have time with Jim Bob, more time for Stafford to continue developing into the All-Pro we know he can be. But Cooter could be a favorite for head coaching gigs soon, just as Teryl Austin has been.

Cooter’s Potential Gigs

Cooter’s job would have to be a good one. There are rumors that it could be Chicago that offers him a job, but the QB situation there isn’t ideal. Another possibility could be the LA Rams, with Jim Bob having the opportunity to develop Jared Goff.

Oct 29, 2015; Chandler

That could be a much better situation, but it’s still a lot of pressure for a first-time coach.

The Aftermath for the Lions

What about the Lions? If Cooter leaves, what happens next? Well, Brian Callahan was hired to fill Jim Bob’s role as QB coach and would make a likely interim hire. People who have worked directly with Stafford tend to do well – exactly why this question is being asked.

This is a situation that could go one of two ways – if the Lions do well the rest of the season, and Cooter is a target for teams in need of a head coach, the Lions could be on the prowl for a new offensive coordinator. If not, it’ll likely be a few years, and the Lions could develop offensively around Jim Bob and Stafford.

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