Jim Caldwell will return next season as head coach of the Detroit Lions.

The Lions want continuity on their staff after reaching the playoffs in two out of the past three seasons.

Detroit had a two-game lead in the NFC North heading into Week 15 against the New York Giants but lost its last three games to slip from a possible division title to a wild-card matchup at Seattle.

Caldwell was hired by the Lions' previous regime and not general manager Bob Quinn.

Caldwell's deal runs through 2017.