After missing the playoffs, the Lions fired coach Jim Schwartz and replaced him with Jim "Cool" Caldwell . This move set the tone for helping its franchise quarterback take another big step forward. In Caldwell, the Lions have an offensive-minded coach who worked with Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and Drew Brees as an assistant in New Orleans.
Detroit signed wide receiver, Golden Tate from the Seattle Seahawks and used its first round draft pick on tight end, Eric Ebron. Caldwell has promised to get Stafford's mechanics and consistency right. Stafford has to be on his game to make things happen. Despite throwing 29 touchdowns with 19 interceptions for last years 7-9 season, he struggled as the Lions lost six of their final seven games costing Schwartz his job.