Lions Hire Caldwell – NFL Roundup For Jan. 15th

UNDATED (AP) — It didn't take Jim Caldwell very long to become an NFL head coach again.

The Detroit Lions say they've hired Caldwell as their new coach and will introduce him at a news conference today. He takes over for Jim Schwartz, who was let go after a second-half collapse led to a 7-9 season.

Caldwell spent this season as Baltimore's offensive coordinator and was head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2009-11. He led the Colts to the Super Bowl in his first season but was dismissed following a 2-14 campaign that left him 26-22.

San Diego Chargers assistant and former Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt (WIHZ'-en-hunt) was seemingly Detroit's top choice. But he chose to take the head coaching job at Tennessee on Monday night.

Meanwhile, Whisenhunt says the one thing he's learned about the NFL is the importance of chemistry, and he decided the Titans were the best fit for his second chance to run a team. The Titans have introduced Whisenhunt as their 17th head coach and only their third since moving to Tennessee.

Whisenhunt's decision prompted the Chargers to elevate Frank Reich (ryk) from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator.

Also in the NFL, the New York Giants have hired Packers quarterbacks coach Ben McAdoo as their offensive coordinator. McAdoo replaces Kevin Gilbride, who retired.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal judge in Philadelphia has preliminarily rejected a $767 million settlement of NFL concussion claims, fearing the sum may not be enough.

U.S. District Judge Anita Brody has asked for more financial details from all parties. In her ruling the judge says the settlement is designed to cover nearly 20,000 men for 65 years.

The awards would vary based on an ex-player's age and diagnosis. A younger retiree with Lou Gehrig's disease would get $5 million, those with serious dementia cases would get $3 million and an 80-year-old with early dementia would get $25,000. Retirees without symptoms would get baseline screening, and follow-up care if needed.

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) — Free safety Ed Reynolds and right tackle Cameron Fleming are the latest Stanford players to announce they are forgoing their final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft.

Reynolds ranked third on the Cardinal with 87 tackles last season. Fleming started on the right side of Stanford's stout offensive line the past three years.