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Detroit Lions: Who Finishes the Season if Jim Caldwell is Fired?

By Zac Snyder

Sep 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell during the first quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin smiles before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions win 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin smiles before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Lions win 31-0. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Teryl Austin

Turning the Lions defense into one of the NFL’s best in 2014 made Teryl Austin a hot name for open head coaching positions. He has had head coaching interviews each of the last two offseasons but hasn’t landed the big gig yet, but his Lions defenses have failed to replicate the success of 2014.

Could the Lions turn to Austin on an interim basis in hopes of salvaging their season, while also giving Austin an opportunity to build his head coaching resume?

The Case For: Austin is the most logical up and coming head coach candidate currently on the coaching staff. It would be a gamble considering he doesn’t have head coaching experience but he has been getting looks from teams in need of a coach and if the Lions fire Caldwell, well, they will be in need of a coach.

The Case Against: The Lions defense is a mess. Adding on head coaching responsibilities when there is so much work that needs to be done with the defense doesn’t sound like a recipe for success. If Austin’s house was in order on defense, he’d be a natural fit as an interim head coach. But it’s not and diverting his attention will only make things worse.

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