Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell knows his job is on the line, and he’s repeatedly criticized for asking about his status at the helm.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Caldwell interrupted a question about how the team’s two-game winning streak has impacted his job security.
“You must be fixated on that or something, aren’t you? That must be of high importance to you. I don’t think about it as much as you do. Seriously. Why even talk about it? What sense does it make? You write what you want to write in that regard.”
Caldwell’s frustration is understandable because he’s simply focused on doing his job.
Although Detroit has beaten the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders in successive weeks, Caldwell is smart enough to know that doesn’t mean a whole lot. A three-win season doesn’t look much better than a one-win campaign.
On the other hand, the reporter who asked the question is simply focused on doing his job. If Caldwell has a pertinent thought to offer about his job status, it’s the media’s responsibility to find it.
For now, the answers to any question about Caldwell’s job must be found on the field. The 3-7 Lions will host the 4-6 Philadelphia Eagles for a 12:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Thanksgiving Day, and a third straight win would give Caldwell and Detroit a chance at a statement game against the Packers a week later.
Should the Lions push their winning streak to four, columns might defend Caldwell instead of criticize.