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It’s been just about three weeks since the Detroit Lions dismissed Jim Caldwell from his head coach duties with the team. Aside from a brief, grateful statement, Caldwell has been completely silent since the firing. There were rumors that he was still interested in coaching, but no sign that the feeling was mutual among those still searching for a new coach.
That is, until now. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Arizona Cardinals head coach candidate—and current Patriots linebacker coach—Brian Flores, would like to bring along Caldwell as part of his staff:
Arizona wants to interview Patriots’ LB coach Brian Flores a second time for Cardinals’ HC job, per sources. If Flores gets the job, he would like to bring former Lions’ HC Jim Caldwell as his offensive coordinator, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 21, 2018
Before becoming the Lions’ head coach, Caldwell was offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens for just over a year—his only experience at the position. He helped lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory over the San Francisco 49ers, but his only full season as offensive coordinator resulted in the 25th ranked scoring offense and a disappointing 8-8 record for Baltimore.
As for his chances at the job, it’s still unclear who the frontrunner is for Arizona’s head coach position. They are currently going through a handful of second interviews. Flores is currently in competition with Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong, and Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo (with a few other names still in the mix).
Caldwell has had a job in every season of the NFL since making the jump from Wake Forest head coach in 2001.