Former Lions HC reportedly turns down Commanders offensive coordinator opening

The Washington Commanders have an offensive coordinator opening after firing Scott Turner. Their search presumably will be focused from outside the organization. That search turned to former NFL head coach Jim Caldwell, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport.

However, the interest isn’t mutual. Caldwell informed the team he is only pursuing opportunities for a head coach. He already interviewed for head coach with the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos.

Hiring Caldwell would have been a “rockstar” hire as Rapoport described. Caldwell compiled a 62-50 record as a head coach with the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions. He led the Colts to a Super Bowl XLIV appearance in his first season. He also guided the Lions to two playoff appearances in four seasons.

Caldwell also made a name for himself as an offensive assistant. Before getting promoted by the Colts, Caldwell was the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach of the Colts when the team won Super Bowl XLI. He also was the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens during their Super Bowl XLVII victory.

Caldwell most recently was the assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach of the Miami Dolphins during the 2019 season.

But the 67-year-old wants to be a head coach in the NFL once again. His resume illustrates he is deserving of another opportunity.

It would be hard to believe a coach of Caldwell’s caliber would opt to join the staff of the Commanders, especially considering head coach Ron Rivera may be entering a lame-duck season.

Rivera will be in his fourth year with Washington next season. The team has had a losing season in each of his first three seasons, placing Rivera on the hot seat. Additionally, the team’s ownership is in flux as owners Dan and Tanya Snyder have explored options for a potential sale.

Ron Rivera can cross Jim Caldwell off his list of potential candidates to replace Scott Turner.