With the NFL regular season over, several teams that missed the playoffs are surrounded by rumors. One of those teams is the 7-9 Detroit Lions. Head coach Jim Caldwell seem destined for the chopping block after starting the season 1-7, but the Lions closed strong. That might be enough for Caldwell to keep his job, although his status hasn't been finalized.
Here are the latest rumors surrounding Caldwell and the Lions' coaching situation.
Teryl Austin Leaving?
Austin is the team's defensive coordinator and he's a candidate for several head coach jobs. Cleveland will interview Austin Thursday and it wouldn't be a surprise if every team looking for a coach reached out to Austin. He has a bright future and it's at the point that Caldwell doesn't expect Austin to return.
"There are several teams, I think, that he's dealing with at this point in time," Caldwell told Mlive.com.
Caldwell "absolutely" believes that Austin will end up as a head coach somewhere this year. Time will tell if he's correct.
Ownership Backs Caldwell?
The Lions' strong finish to the season might help Caldwell keep his job. Ownership is currently behind Caldwell.
Lions' ownership supports HC Jim Caldwell and plans to retain him, per sources. But Lions also expected to leave final decision to new GM.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 3, 2016
The Lions are still searching for a general manager, so it only makes sense that the team will give the GM power to choose a head coach. The new GM might elect to keep Caldwell for at least another year. At this point, the Lions are behind in the coaching search race and could just wait a year before making a move.
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