Detroit Lions: Jim Caldwell Issues Statement about His Return

Jim Caldwell has been given the opportunity by new general manager Bob Quinn to remain as the Detroit Lions’ head coach.

It took nearly a week but Jim Caldwell will officially return as the Detroit Lions‘ head coach.

It was the first big decision to be made under new general manager Bob Quinn and while some thought he might wait to pursue Patriots coordinators Josh McDaniels and/or Matt Patricia, Quinn is sticking with Caldwell in 2016.

Shortly after the initial announcement, Caldwell released the following statement through the Lions’ media relations department:

"“I am obviously thrilled that I will continue to lead this football team,” Caldwell said. “I genuinely appreciate the faith Bob has shown in me, and I really look forward to working together.“As I’ve said before, I truly love coaching the Lions and, while I’ve only been here two years, I have grown to love our fans, the City of Detroit, and the people of Detroit and Michigan.“Their loyalty and passion is incredible and we want nothing more than to bring them a championship.”"

Caldwell’s return makes it a virtual certainty that Jim Bob Cooter will return as offensive coordinator and it is increasingly likely Teryl Austin returns as defensive coordinator unless he lands the Tennessee Titans job.

It didn’t take long for Lions players to voice their support of Caldwell staying at the helm.

Caldwell’s respect in the locker room was one of the key arguments in his favor. Now we’ll see how far that will take him in what will probably be a make-or-break season for his tenure in Detroit.