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Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew and head coach Jim Caldwell met with the team's beat writers on Monday night at the Senior Bowl. Here's a look at what they had to say:
No offensive coordinator decision yet, but say hello to the no-huddle!
Mayhew said the #Lions are still interviewing OC candidates and there is no timeline for that hire.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) January 21, 2014
Jim Caldwell not giving updates on OC search, but says Lions will employ some no-huddle as part of regular scheme
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) January 21, 2014
Caldwell on OC search: "We’re still in the interview process just trying to talk to guys about philosophy and trying to narrow it down."
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) January 21, 2014
Caldwell and Mayhew wouldn't talk names with the offensive coordinator.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) January 21, 2014
Various roster-related news:
Lions holding off on all personnel decisions, including franchise tag, until coaching staff is in place.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) January 21, 2014
Don Carey was extended in the final week of the season. No other players were signed.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) January 21, 2014
Mayhew said the Lions are trying to extend DT Ndamukong Suh's contract, but team will be able to make FA moves regardless.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) January 21, 2014
Mayhew said he wants to get a deal done with @NdamukongSuh and the feeling is mutual from Suh and hopes it's done this offseason.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) January 21, 2014
Mayhew said no decision yet on whether to tender Fairley his 5th year draft option. Said Fairley could stand to "reposition" some weight.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 21, 2014
Some honesty for Nick Fairley:
Mayhew said DT Nick Fairley has to "mature as a professional" and become more consistent. Could also "re-position" some of his weight.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) January 21, 2014
The Wide 9 isn't dead yet (situationally that's fine; it just shouldn't be your base defense):
Martin Mayhew says "there is a place for the Wide 9" in Lions' future. Not scrapping it completely.
— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) January 21, 2014
Caldwell also said there is a place for the Wide 9 on this team. He ran it in Indy with Freeney and Mathis.
— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) January 21, 2014
Caldwell said DC Teryl Austin will use "multiple philosophies" and be both aggressive and conservative.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) January 21, 2014
On hiring assistants:
Lions coach Jim Caldwell said interviews are ongoing for OC spot. Asked whether he was forced to keep any assistants he said "certainly not"
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 21, 2014
Caldwell said he's kept a running list of potential assistants for years & Bobby Johnson's name 1st appeared on list as an ast at Indiana
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 21, 2014
No shortage of coaches for the offensive line:
Caldwell also said three coaches - Jeremiah Washburn, B. Johnson (asst) and T. Heffernan (quality control) - will work with offensive line.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) January 21, 2014
At least Martin Mayhew isn't delusional:
Unlike Jim Schwartz, Lions GM Martin Mayhew did call the 2013 season a "failure," and everybody (coaches, players, brass) was at fault.
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) January 21, 2014
