Jim Caldwell Says He Doesn't Think Racism Is Reason He's on Hot Seat as Lions HC

If Jim Caldwell ends up being fired as head coach of the Detroit Lions after this season, he doesn't believe racism will be the reason. 

"No, I've never felt that way," Caldwell said Wednesday, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. 

The subject of came up because Joseph Hayes of the Port Huron Times Herald suggested in a column published Tuesday that Caldwell's race was directly tied to his job status:

"For many Lions fans, Caldwell can do nothing right. These are the same fans that called African-Americans thugs for quietly taking a knee during the national anthem. These are the same people who cheered with approval when President Donald Trump called football players 'Sons of bitches.'

"Now, these 'fans' have the best coach in modern Lions history in their sights. And no, it's not just because of the terrible loss to Cincinnati. For many, it's because he has brown skin."

Caldwell also said his job status is called into question "every year" because it's part of being a head coach in the NFL, via Birkett. 

The Lions hired Caldwell to be their head coach in 2014. He previously spent three years as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2009-11, leading the team to an appearance in Super Bowl XLIV, where they lost to the New Orleans Saints in his first season. 

Since taking over the Lions, Caldwell has compiled a record of 35-28 with two playoff appearances in 2014 and 2016.

Detroit was officially eliminated from playoff contention after a Week 16 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals, but a win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 17 will give the franchise back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 1994-95.