UPDATED: 11:07 a.m. ET on 1/15/2018
The Detroit Lions have put an end to the Lions coaching rumors by firing head coach Jim Caldwell after their Week 17 win against the Packers. Caldwell made the playoffs last year, but the Lions blew a shot to return this season. After winning 11 games in his first year, Caldwell never hit double-digit wins in his other three seasons with Detroit.
The Lions' handling of Caldwell has been strange to say the least. They signed him to a multi-year extension, but it wasn't announced and didn't come out until months afterward. That appeared to give Caldwell job security, until it was revealed that Caldwell's extension was only guaranteed for one year, with team options after that. With the Lions now missing the playoffs thanks to a bad loss to the Bengals, Caldwell is out. General manager Bob Quinn arrived last year and now he gets to hire his head coach. Here are the top 10 candidates the Lions could hire to replace Jim Caldwell.
10. Mike Vrabel, Texans defensive coordinator
Vrabel has drawn buzz as a potential head coach, but the Texans' defense was awful this year. Sure, injuries played a role, but Vrabel might be more hype than substance right now. That could (and probably will) change, but it might be a year too early. Still, Vrabel could be an option for the Texans because of Quinn's ties to the Patriots.
9.) Brian Kelly, Notre Dame head coach
Notre Dame’s academic issues last season and a rough end to this season have led to increased speculation that Kelly is on his way out. However he’s just a few seasons removed from a lucrative contract extension, and we’d be surprised if he leaves the Irish this year with their success. A name to watch for sure, but he might not be a primary target.
8. David Shaw, Stanford head coach
There's a reason Shaw's name often comes up in coaching searches, but there's also a reason he ranks so low on this list. Shaw has shown zero interest in leaving Stanford. Expect to hear his name connected in the rumor mill, but don't expect him to take the job.
7. Steve Wilks, Panthers defensive coordinator
Wilks is 48 years old and in his first year as a defensive coordinator. The Panthers defense didn't miss a beat with Sean McDermott in Buffalo this year, a credit to Wilks. He's well-regarded in the coaching world, with a background in the secondary. Due to the Rooney Rule, Wilks is a good candidate to get an interview.
6. Pat Shurmur, Vikings offensive coordinator
The Vikings have been one of the surprise teams this season with a 12-3 record and in position to secure a playoff bye. The offense lost Teddy Bridgewater last season due to a horrific leg injury and Sam Bradford this season, but the coaching of Shurmur has reignited Case Keenum's career. Not many offensive coordinators would be able to lose two quarterbacks and still be successful, but Shurmur has found a way. Shurmur was the head coach of the Browns from 2011 to 2012 where things did not go well, but he has rehabbed his image in stints with Philadelphia and Minnesota.
5. Dave Toub, Chiefs special teams coordinator
Toub is dubbed one of the greatest minds for coaching special teams in the history of the NFL. He has turned the Chiefs special teams into one of the most feared units, featuring Tyreek Hill. He is respected throughout the NFL and has a great relationship with the players and front office. At 55 years old, Toub is older than many first-time head coaches but will draw interest after having interviews last season. He might be better fit for a team like the Colts.
4. Frank Reich, Eagles offensive coordinator
Reich is one of the hottest names in the NFL right now given the success of the Eagles this season. Carson Wentz, in his second year, emerged as one of the best young quarterbacks in the league before his injury. The Eagles' creative offense is a major reason why they have had success this season and the Lions could be looking for a fresh start. Reich will be connected to multiple jobs this offseason.
3. Jim Bob Cooter, Lions offensive coordinator
Cooter came to the Lions in 2014 as the teams' quarterbacks coach before he was promoted in Week 8 of the 2015 NFL season. Before he coached as an offensive assistant with the Denver Broncos and helped guide the Broncos offense to a 2013 Super Bowl appearance. Cooter is in his ninth NFL season and has done a good job in Detroit, even if the ground game has not clicked. If Quinn wants some stability, he'll look towards his current coordinators. Cooter could stay in Detroit if a defensive-minded coach is hired, which seems likely.
2. Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator
McDaniels has rebuilt his reputation while leading the Patriots’ offense for the past five seasons after a less-than-successful head coaching debut in Denver. Its been rumored for several years that McDaniels has a strong desire to be an NFL head coach again should the right role open up. McDaniels has ties to Quinn, with both of them spending years together in New England. Don't be surprised if the two Patriots coordinators are at the top of Quinn's list. McDaniels appears likely to head to the Colts.
1. Matt Patricia, Patriots defensive coordinator
Entering the 2017 season, Patricia was one of the more coveted coaches. The Patriots defense struggled early on but have only allowed more than 17 points one time in their last nine games. He gets to learn from one of the greatest NFL minds under Bill Belichick and could get this great defense back on track. The former rocket scientist has done a little bit of everything since joining the Patriots in 2004. He's served as an offensive assistant, offensive line coach, a linebackers coach, a safeties coach and took over as the defensive coordinator in 2012. The buzz around Patricia picked up last year and it should only grow. He's just 43 years old and he'll get a head coaching gig in the near future. With Quinn's ties to New England, Patricia is a logical candidate. Patricia, as things stand, is likely to take the job with Detroit.
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