jim-caldwell-presser.jpg

Jim Caldwell signed a four-year contract with the Detroit Lions, according to team president Tom Lewand.

(Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)

DETROIT -- The Detroit Lions have signed new coach Jim Caldwell to a four-year deal, according to team president Tom Lewand. Financial terms were not disclosed.

A four-year contract for a new hire is standard in the NFL. The Lions also committed four years to Jim Schwartz in 2009, before giving him a three-year extension after the 2011 season.

The Lions other finalist for the job, Ken Whisenhunt, received a five-year contract from the Tennessee Titans. The extra year has been reported as one of the factors in his decision.

Coaching contracts are usually guaranteed.

-- Download the Detroit Lions MLive app for iPhone and Android

-- Follow Justin Rogers on Twitter

-- Like MLive's Detroit Lions Facebook page