There’s a lot on the line for the Lions this weekend, but the outcome won’t impact Jim Caldwell‘s immediate job security. The team announced today that Caldwell will return as head coach in 2017, win or lose. 
The Lions were rolling this year before dropping their final three games of the season and ceding the NFC North crown to the rival Packers. That slide made some folks around Allen Park worry about Caldwell’s status, but the Lions have put those concerns to rest before the biggest game of the year, so far.
If the Lions do well in the postseason, it might not be long before the team and Caldwell start discussing a new deal. Right now, he is entering the final year of a four-year deal.
In his three years with the Lions, Caldwell is 27-21. Combined with his Colts record, Caldwell is 53-43 lifetime as a coach. Next up is a playoff showdown with the Seahawks.
Why is this even a story? He coached the team to a winning record and has them in the playoffs.