Watch CBS News

Caldwell On Job Status: 'I Don't Walk In The Spirit Of Fear'

By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby

Chalk Jim Caldwell up as someone not interested in a role in the "Walking Dead."

After his superiors – in Lions president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew – were fired last week, it's no surprise Caldwell's future has been in question too. But to hear it from him, he's not worried.

"I understand from Bill (Keenist, Lions' public relations) that there was a quote out there that said I was like a dead man walking, but as you can see, I'm alive and well," Caldwell said, before turning to religion. "There's only been one man, I think, that's walked and risen from the dead, and I'm certainly not him."

Caldwell went to a Super Bowl with Indianapolis during his first year as a head coach – with Peyton Manning at quarterback – and was the offensive coordinator for the Ravens' Super Bowl winning team in 2013.

Last season, Caldwell's career in Detroit got off to a hot start, with an 11-5 season and playoff appearance for the Lions.

But obviously, that has taken a drastic turn this year. Now, there's not a "coaches on the hot seat" list in existence without Caldwell's name on it.

"Let's see," Caldwell said when asked about his future as Lions' head coach. "Let's see. I don't walk in the spirit of fear at all in any shape or form in my life. Never have, never will. So we'll see. That's yet to be determined."

Even amidst a 1-7 record at the halfway mark of the NFL season, and with fans calling for his head, Caldwell says he hasn't lost his love for coaching.

The challenge ahead for the Lions – establishing some semblance of competitiveness before the season ends – is what draws Caldwell to the profession.

"We coach because of the fact that we love the tough, difficult situations, the improbable wins," he said. "That echo in the locker room is something that you just don't hear very often. The sound we heard in London after the Atlanta game was one that you can't duplicate. That's what draws coaches back. That's why you see so many coaches that don't retire fully, because they can't get that anywhere else or that sound after a huge win, Super Bowls, whatever it may be, it's just something that can't be duplicated."

Caldwell went on to compare the Lions' situation to a Chinese word, which according to him, contained two symbols – one meaning "crisis" and the other meaning "opportunity."

The Internet, as it tends to do, has debated the actual meaning of the word, and some believe it actually means "the possibility of danger."

Which could also be an accurate metaphor, after all.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.