AP

Half a season of Jim Bob Cooter was not enough for the Lions.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Lions are making the expected move, and keeping their interim offensive coordinator for next season without the clunky first part of that title.

The team turned around sharply when Cooter replaced Joe Lombardi midseason, with quarterback Matthew Stafford openly praising the difference it made.

It also made sense once they decided to stick with head coach Jim Caldwell, who was retained by new General Manager Bob Quinn. That gives them the chance to build around a comfortable Stafford, whether the offense includes Calvin Johnson or not.