Matthew Stafford-Jim Bob Cooter Connection Could Last With Lions

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the Detroit Lions may keep Matthew Staffor and Jim Bob Cooter together even if they move on from Jim Caldwell.

After a loss to the Chicago Bears, many Detroit Lions fans were calling for the firing of Jim Caldwell. Three games and three wins later and Matthew Stafford is gaining MVP talk on a local and national level.

Of course, credit for Stafford’s breakout year goes to Stafford himself and offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter rather than Caldwell. But it has shifted the narrative surrounding the team and has taken Caldwell off the hot seat, at least for now.

But what happens if the season turns sour once again? What happens if the results by the end of the season don’t meet general manager Bob Quinn’s expectations? Quinn decided to keep Caldwell in place for this season but there is a very real possibility he did so as a one year placeholder.

Given Quinn’s experience with the New England Patriots, it is natural to speculate that he might have his eye on one of their two head coach-ready coordinators. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was a head coach once before and will surely get another shot while defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is seen as ready to become a head coach for the first time.

Changes at the top of the Lions’ coaching staff could have ramifications for those who work under Caldwell.

In his week eight notebook on ESPN.com, Chris Mortensen says the following:

More from Detroit Jock City

"Talk of Jim Caldwell being replaced as head coach has quieted since the team has put together a three-game winning streak, but even if he is, most league executives believe Lions general manager Bob Quinn probably would consider Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia over Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniel as the replacement. There is no rush to break up the Stafford and Cooter partnership."

That’s just an excerpt that comes under Mortensen’s main heading that reads “Lions won’t break up the Stafford-Cooter relationship.” Fans conflicted because they’d like to see an upgrade over Caldwell but concerned that doing so could mean the offensive coaching staff being swept out as well may not have as much to fear.

Forcing a coordinator on a head coach isn’t generally a good scenario when making a hire but it could work in the Lions’ situation if Patricia ends up being the guy. He and Quinn won’t be starting their GM-coach relationship from nothing because of their time together in New England and having a solid coordinator in place should ease the transition for him as a first-time head coach.

Next: A Look at Matthew Stafford's Career 100 Games In

A lot can happen between now and when any of this would go down, but just keep in mind that losing Jim Caldwell doesn’t appear to automatically mean losing Jim Bob Cooter.

Home/Detroit Lions