ALLEN PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) -- Lions head coach Jim Caldwell offered his thoughts on the passing of former NFL head coach Dennis Green on Friday.
"Dennis was one of the men that had a tremendous influence on many of us," Caldwell said in a statement released by the team. "He created a great legacy of winning and without question was one of the very best motivators of our time. He was brilliant, tough minded and an outstanding leader."
“The lessons I learned from him are ones that I have utilized throughout my career and still use today. His impact on me, both as a coach and a person, is something I will forever cherish. My deepest sympathies to his wife Marie and to his children.”
Green worked as the running backs coach at the University of Iowa during three of the seasons Caldwell played for the Hawkeyes. Upon being named head coach at Northwestern in 1981, Green hired Caldwell to be part of his staff.
