Hours after saying he believed in his struggling offense, Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell is making big changes to his coaching staff.
Caldwell fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and offensive line coaches Jeremiah Washburn and Terry Heffernan today, one day after the Lions dropped to 1-6 with a 28-19 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Reached by phone, Washburn declined comment on the changes. Several players did not stop for interview requests as they left the team's Allen Park headquarters.
The Lions announced that quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter will take over play-calling duties from Lombardi, who previously served as quarterbacks coach for Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints.