One of the first big decisions Bob Quinn will make as Detroit Lions’ general manager is whether to retain or fire Jim Caldwell as head coach.
The Detroit Lions announced the hiring of Bob Quinn as their new general manager on Friday evening. Now three days later and his introductory press conference here, there has been no word on head coach Jim Caldwell’s future with the team.
While some expected, perhaps erroneously, that a swift decision would be made, Caldwell is no stranger to uncertainty following a new general manager hire. As I detailed in my look at the Indianapolis Colts’ timeline when they fired the Polians and hired Ryan Grigson, Caldwell was initially retained by ownership before being fired six days after Grigson was hired.
I'm told Bob Quinn going into his meeting with Jim Caldwell with an open mind, but also has potential candidates at the ready...
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 11, 2016
Would actually be surprised based on what I've heard now, if Lions did target a Pats coordinator should Caldwell be let go
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 11, 2016
The lack of an announcement doesn’t come as a total surprise considering the Colts example above and the desire to make today about Bob Quinn and not Jim Caldwell – to whatever extent that is even possible.
FWIW: Lions want today to be coronation of GM Bob Quinn. For that reason alone, announcement on Jim Caldwell today would be a surprise.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) January 11, 2016
The apparent slow-moving process to decide on Caldwell will be derided by some fans but is the prudent course of action. Entering with preconceived notions to immediately fire Caldwell isn’t a good course of action for someone new to the organization; particularly with Caldwell holding the respect of the locker room.
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By coming in with an open mind and getting to know Caldwell a bit, Quinn sets himself up for the best chance at success. If he finds that getting on the same page as Caldwell comes naturally, retaining him for at least Quinn’s first season in Detroit allows for some continuity.