Jim Caldwell joined Tony Dungy's staff with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001 as quarterbacks coach. He followed Dungy to Indianapolis in 2002 and remained with him for his entire tenure, helping lead the Colts to a win in Super Bowl XLI.
On January 13, 2008, Caldwell was formally announced as Dungy's successor-in-waiting. On January 12, 2009, Dungy announced his retirement, putting Caldwell in the head coaching position. He was formally introduced at a press conference the following day.
Caldwell had one of the best debut seasons for a head coach in NFL history, finishing with a 14–2 record. The Colts rushed out to a 14–0 start. With the AFC South title and the top seed in the AFC playoffs secured, Caldwell opted (on orders from then GM, Bill Polian) to sit out his starting players the last two games of the season (both losses), drawing controversy to him and the team. He later won his first playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens on January 16, 2010. On January 24, 2010, Caldwell became the 5th rookie head coach to lead his team to the Super Bowl with a 30–17 victory over the New York Jets. Caldwell holds the NFL record for the best start by a rookie head coach, starting his career with 14 wins. The 14 wins also tied a franchise record.
On February 7, 2010, Caldwell's rookie season ended with a 31–17 loss in Super Bowl XLIV to the New Orleans Saints. In his second season the Colts reached the playoffs where they lost in disappointing fashion to the New York Jets 17–16 on January 8, 2011.
Following a 2–14 record in 2011, Caldwell was fired on January 17, 2012.
Caldwell will now be counted on to help Joe Flacco be more consistent with the Ravens. Having worked with Peyton Manning for so long he should have a good idea of how to run a high powered offense. Hopefully he and Joe can quickly develop some chemistry as it has been rumored that Joe and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron often do not see eye to eye.
John Harbaugh seemed impressed with Caldwell after spending some time with him this past week. Via BR.com.
"After spending considerable time with Jim over the last week, we think he will be an excellent fit with our team, coaching the quarterbacks and helping with our offense," Harbaugh said. "We believe he enhances our staff."
Caldwell had interviewed recently with the Pittsburgh Steelers in reference to their offensive coordinator position but shortly after signed with the Ravens as the quarterbacks coach. It was widely thought that he would sign with the Steelers because he and Mike Tomlin both come from the Tony Dungy coaching tree in Tampa Bay. It is unknown which side was unhappy with the deal.
Let's hope he can help Joe Flacco take the next step in his career. Only time will tell. Maybe he can help entice Reggie Wayne to Baltimore???
For now Caldwell seemes impressed with the Ravens as an organization and is saying all the right things.
"I am really excited to work with Coach Harbaugh, Cam [Cameron] and the rest of the coaching staff," Caldwell said.
"It’s a great fit for me, and I’m happy they saw it that way. I can’t wait to get started with the Ravens, an organization that from top to bottom is one of the NFL’s best. I’m looking forward to coming to Baltimore."