There are differing reports about Robert Griffin III’s involvement with the Redskins’ search for a new head coach, but he wouldn’t be the only NFL quarterback taking an active role in the process.
Fritz Pollard Alliance chairman John Wooten said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, that Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford met with Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell when Caldwell interviewed for the job on Friday. Jason Cole of National Football Post had previously reported that Stafford participated in Caldwell’s interview.
General Manager Martin Mayhew said that players wouldn’t be involved in the search process, but, given the importance of getting Stafford back on track after a poor run at the end of the season, it’s not that surprising that gauging a coach’s rapport with the quarterback would be of interest to Detroit. Stafford also played a big part in how Caldwell presented himself for a shot at a job that he thinks has more positives than you usually see when a team is looking for a head coach.
“You’ve just got to give modern technology credit,” Wooten said. “(Caldwell) had seen every single throw that Stafford made in 2013. He looked at every single one of them and was able to sit with Matt and tell him what he thought the throws and the problems, and the flaw of the throw and what you need to do, what drills we’ll work on to correct it. That’s Jim Caldwell.”
Wooten said that Caldwell reported the interview went “really, really great” and that he left with the impression that a decision could come in the next few days. The Lions are reportedly very interested in Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, who has not been available to interview yet because the Chargers are playing in Cincinnati on Sunday.
