Mike Caldwell (linebacker) facts for kids

Isaiah "Mike" Caldwell, Jr. (born August 31, 1971) is a well-known American football coach. He is currently the linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL). Before this, he was the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2022 to 2023.

Mike Caldwell played college football as a linebacker at Middle Tennessee State University. He was chosen by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 1993 NFL draft. Caldwell played for 11 seasons in the NFL. He played for teams like the Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers.

Caldwell started his coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008. He has coached linebackers for several NFL teams. He was also an assistant head coach for the New York Jets. In 2024, he coached for the Las Vegas Raiders before returning to the Buccaneers in 2025.

Mike Caldwell's Playing Career

Mike Caldwell had a great career playing football. He was known for his strong defensive skills.

College Football Highlights

Mike Caldwell played 52 games during his college career. He forced 7 fumbles, which means he knocked the ball loose from opponents. In 1992, he led his team with 76 tackles. This included 47 solo tackles and 29 assisted tackles. He was also named a 3rd team All-American that year. He was a 1st team selection for the Ohio Valley Conference.

Playing in the National Football League

Caldwell quickly made an impact with the Cleveland Browns as a rookie. He played under famous coaches Bill Belichick and Nick Saban. From 1993 to 1995, he had many tackles and 3 interceptions.

After one year with the Baltimore Ravens, he joined the Arizona Cardinals in 1997. He continued to make important plays for his team. From 1998 to 2001, he played for the Philadelphia Eagles. He recorded 221 tackles, 5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. In 2002, he played for the Chicago Bears. He finished his playing career with the Carolina Panthers.

Mike Caldwell's Coaching Journey

After his playing days, Mike Caldwell became a successful coach. He has worked with many NFL teams.

Coaching with the Philadelphia Eagles

Caldwell started coaching with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008. He began as a defensive quality control coach. This role helps analyze how the defense is playing. In 2010, he became the assistant linebackers coach. He was then promoted to linebackers coach in 2011.

Coaching with the New York Jets

In 2015, Caldwell joined the New York Jets. He was hired as both an assistant head coach and the inside linebackers coach. This meant he helped lead the team and specifically coached the inside linebackers.

Coaching with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Caldwell joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019. He worked with former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians. In 2021, Caldwell achieved a major milestone. He earned his first Super Bowl title when the Buccaneers won Super Bowl LV.

Coaching with the Jacksonville Jaguars

On February 17, 2022, Caldwell became the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He worked under head coach Doug Pederson. As defensive coordinator, he was in charge of the entire defense. However, on January 8, 2024, Caldwell and the Jaguars' defensive staff were let go.

Coaching with the Las Vegas Raiders

On February 23, 2024, Caldwell was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders. He served as their linebackers coach and run game coordinator. This meant he coached the linebackers and helped plan the team's defense against running plays. On January 30, 2025, it was announced that Caldwell was not kept on by the Raiders' new management. He then returned to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

About Mike Caldwell's Family

Mike Caldwell has family members who are also involved in sports. His niece, Nikki Caldwell, is the president of the Las Vegas Aces. This is a professional basketball team in the WNBA. His son, Simeon, is a highly-rated recruit for college football.