Detroit Lions

Report: Jim Caldwell's job with Lions is not safe with new GM in Motown

Published Jan. 9, 2016 3:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

Perhaps it’s time for Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell to start sleeping with one eye open.

According to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com on Saturday, Caldwell’s job is not safe as new Detroit general manager Bob Quinn is looking to evaluate the team’s coaching situation.

Caldwell, 60, was hired by the Lions in 2014, and now has been at the helm of the team for two full seasons. Caldwell did lead them to an 11-5 record and a surprise Wild Card berth last year. But he regressed in a big way in 2015 as the Lions failed their way to a 7-9 season thanks to a dismal 1-7 start.

Caldwell deserves some credit, however, as the Lions fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and other members of the coaching staff after that start. Caldwell responded by guiding Detroit to a 6-2 record the rest of the way.

Still, Caldwell failed to hold himself accountable for the team’s struggles, passing the buck to everyone from his players to the media. Ultimately, he also failed to be the emotional leader the Lions needed to succeed and fell flat on his face in big moments.

Quinn, New England’s former director of pro scouting, will hold Caldwell accountable. Whether that is to the extent of removing Caldwell from his position as head coach remains to be seen.

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