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Priority No. 1 for the Detroit Lions' new head coach is to "fix" quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford has shown flashes of brilliance during his career, but far too often his play has been inconsistent, as evidenced by the second half of the 2013 season. There have too many missed throws and too many turnovers, and getting him to consistently play at a higher level is really the key to the Lions being a successful team.
With this in mind, the Lions decided to involve Stafford in their interview on Friday with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, according to multiple reports. National Football Post's Jason Cole reports that Caldwell met with Stafford, and their conversation involved a "breakdown of many of Stafford’s throws from the 2013 season and a series of drills that Caldwell would go through to help Stafford." Here are more details from Ian Rapoport:
What did #Ravens OC Jim Caldwell do to prepare for his Lions interview? Charted every Stafford pass from ’13. Then explained his corrections
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2014
Caldwell watched film with Matt Stafford and offered corrections on throws. Very valuable for the QB to be involved.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 4, 2014
Given how important it is for the Lions' next head coach to help Stafford get better, this type of news is good to hear. Caldwell seems to have a pretty clear idea of what Stafford needs to do to improve as a quarterback, and given that he's involved in the interview process, Stafford seems open to listening to feedback on his game.
One other interesting note: Cole reports that in addition to Stafford, Caldwell met with general manager Martin Mayhew, team president Tom Lewand and team vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. during his interview. Also, a source told Cole that Caldwell had a "very impressive" interview.
UPDATE: Here are more details about Caldwell's plans for if he ends up getting the Lions' job:
Jim Caldwell's potential staff with the Lions would include Teryl Austin as DC and David Cully as OC, though Caldwell might call plays.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 4, 2014
Austin is a former Michigan assistant and DBs coach with the Ravens. Cully is assistant head coach in Kansas City.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 4, 2014
