Jim Caldwell didn't say much at his season-ending press conference on Monday.
His presence in front of the microphone said enough.
The perception of Caldwell keeping his job as Lions head coach is growing, especially after Detroit's 6-2 finish to the season.
"I think the record's the record. It is what it is," he said on Monday.
Caldwell wouldn't elaborate on his conversations since Sunday's season finale. Asked if he had spoken with owner Martha Firestone Ford, Caldwell stayed mum.
"Same answer I gave yesterday. Still working, still under contract, and we’ll do what we do."
Ford told reporters on Sunday she had not made a decision on Caldwell's future yet, but it's widely known she likes what the head coach brings to the team.
Caldwell has an 18-14 record in two seasons with the Lions.
The team's new general manager will allegedly decide if Caldwell remains, but as head coaching job interviews around the league begin this week, the Lions would be losing time with potential candidates.
Throughout the session with reporters on Monday, Caldwell sounded like a man preparing to keep his job. He stayed true to his word, and refused to publicly fight for his job for the Ford family and President Rod Wood to hear.
"I don’t think there’s anything we mention that they don’t know," Caldwell said.
He wouldn't commit to retaining his assistants, only saying they are under contract.
Caldwell does expect defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to get a head coaching job.
"He's been exceptional for us. He'll be an exceptional head coach," Caldwell said.
Austin went through the process of head coaching job interviews last year, so Caldwell said the Lions are prepared to lose him.
Caldwell confirmed Austin has an interview with the Cleveland Browns sometime this week, and more interviews with other teams, as well.
