Lions' New GM Quinn Tables Decision On Caldwell, Doesn't Pressure Calvin Johnson
By Terry Foster
@TerryFoster971
There is an urgency for Lions General Manager Bob Quinn to make a decision on coach Jim Caldwell.
He must do his due diligence and he made the right move in tabling a decision on Caldwell. He has not had an interview with him. He does not know Caldwell or any of his assistant coaches. A few days ago he was property of the New England Patriots.
The past few days he's been trying to transition into becoming a Lion. You do not want him making rash decisions. He does not know if Caldwell is a championship coach or even a good coach. That is what he will determine for the next couple days.
What is the rush?
"I want to get in the building and learn the building and learn the players before I make any decision," Quinn said.
He will meet with quarterback Matthew Stafford and other key players. He will ask around the building before making a decision.
Quinn already began paving the way to either keep Caldwell or fire him. He wants to see if their philosophy works together before making a decision.
If he said he was keeping Caldwell today we'd all say this was owner Martha Ford's decision. That would show weakness on his part.
"This decision will be mine and mine alone," Quinn said.
In other Lions notes ...
** Quinn is smart to not contact Calvin Johnson, who is considering retirement. Players are beaten up after the season and it would be a mistake to press Johnson on a decision. My gut feeling is Johnson wants to retire and will retire. But if Quinn can take his time and show Johnson a winning game plan, who knows?
"I know he (Johnson) put out a statement. We will stay with that statement now," Quinn said. "When the time and place is right we will get with Calvin. I found over my experiences the couple weeks after the season is not the time to push a player into staying or leaving. It is a long season and tough on players. No pressure on Calvin Johnson."
