Detroit Lions: Highlights from Bob Quinn’s season-ending press conference

Detroit Lions general manager ended the season with a press conference in which he discussed the dismissal of head coach Jim Caldwell. Here are the highlights.

There was no normal Monday press conference from the Detroit Lions training facility today because of the firing of head coach Jim Caldwell. General manager Bob Quinn took the podium instead to talk about his decision and what happens next.

Here are some quick highlights of what he had to say.

-Bob Quinn informed Caldwell of the decision this morning. Quinn will lead the search for a new coach.

-Quinn praised Caldwell as a person and the help he provided as he began his job as general manager. Quinn says he was proud to work with Caldwell.

-Quinn takes responsibility for everything football related. He says going 9-7 and missing the playoffs is on him after going 9-7 and making the playoffs last year.

-There is no timetable on the coaching search but an update will be provided after each completed interview.

-Asked if there was anything in particular that held team back, Quinn said it wasn’t anything in particular but went on to note poor record against better teams in the league.

-Quinn will lean on his experience working with different coaches and friends that have gone through coaching searches as he goes through his first. Says they have a good plan.

-Looking for the best coach to lead to a championship, not necessarily offensive or defense background. Previous coaching experience might help but not a prerequisite.

-Ron Prince only other coach released from his contract, all others remain under contract.

-Looking for leadership and ability to adapt scheme to players. Wants coach to put players they will acquire in best position to succeed.

-Next coach will have full autonomy over the coaching staff.

-Quinn woudn’t confirm report that Teryl Austin would interview for the job on Tuesday but reiterated that an update would be provided after an interview has taken place with any candidate.

-Quinn noted strong ownership, resources, fans. Strong base to build from.

-Nothing new that Quinn thought over the past year from previous year but just that it was time for a change.

-No players will be involved in the interview process.

-Quinn declined to get into any rumored candidates.

-Any current or aspiring GM has a shortlist of guys they like as potential head coaches. Quinn said that was the case for him even before taking the Lions job.

-Previous familiarity with candidates could factor into the search but interviewing other guys part of the process too.

-Search could include college coaches.

-Quinn says Eric Ebron had a good year, highlighting his play over the second half of the year even though his overall play time actually decreased. Reiterated that Ebron is under contract for next season via the tender.

-Quinn thought the best decision for the team in his first year as GM was to keep Caldwell, felt best decision for the team this year was to move on.

-Asked if Ziggy Ansah is most critical decision he will face, Quinn said there will be many but that will be one. Will wait until new coaching staff is in place.

-Strengths are skill players on offense, quarterback, good personnel on offensive line. Younger players in their second and third year have to show improvement.

-Final decision on Caldwell was made last night. Quinn said decision was his and his alone. Quinn and Rod Wood will be involved in the search and ownership will be consulted but not part of interviews.

–Matthew Stafford is a good enough quarterback to play in any system so not worried about scheme a coach may or may not run.

-Running game was a disappointment to everybody. Need to do everything better.

-Quinn said an extension for Golden Tate is not a top priority. Coach search is first and they’ll talk player stuff when it’s time to talk player stuff.

-Expectations are to win championships. Quinn said that’s why he was hired and that’s why the new coach will be hired.

-Lions have enough players to contend, question is whether they have enough to get over the top. Job is to make sure the players who come in are better than the players that go out.

-Didn’t get to a championship level. They worked at it for two years and didn’t get there so the coaching decision was made.

-Quinn hasn’t thought about having to explain an ownership succession plan to coaching candidates.

-Quinn acknowledged there is risk from moving on from Jim Caldwell but he noted there is risk in every decision he makes.

-First focus in the head coach, not on coordinators or Matthew Stafford’s desire to keep working with Jim Bob Cooter. That can be discussed after a head coach is hired if the new head coach is interested in keeping that going.

-There will be no dictating scheme from the front office. Quinn said he will let the coaches coach.

-Most important relationship in the building is between the general manager and the head coach.

Next: Lions' 2018 opponents are set

A replay of the press conference is available via the Detroit Lions facebook page.