By Mike Sullivan
@MikeSullivan

The Detroit Lions officially announced the hiring of New England Patriots director of pro scouting Bob Quinn as the team's general manager at a press conference in Allen Park on Monday.

There's one looming question everyone is asking -- what is the future of head coach Jim Caldwell? Will Quinn retain him or fire him?

Today I decided to do some research and attempt to find another recent situation where a new general manager had to make a similar decision about a head coach. The one comparison I was able to draw is mind-blowingly similar.

Check out how closely the 2015 Detroit Lions compare to the 2012 Carolina Panthers:

Comparing the 2015 Detroit Lions and the 2012 Carolina Panthers

• The 2012 Panthers finished 7-9 after Ron Rivera's second season
• The 2015 Lions finished 7-9 after Jim Caldwell's second season

• Ernie Accorsi was a consultant to the Carolina Panthers from 2012-2014
• Ernie Accorsi is a consultant to the Detroit Lions from 2015-present

• Panthers spokesman said "Rivera is going about normal preparations for next season."
• Jim Caldwell said in his end of season press conference that he is going about business as usual

• Ron Rivera could point to a four-game winning streak at the end of the season to convince ownership he deserved a third season in Carolina
• Jim Caldwell can point to a 6-2 finish to convince ownership that he deserves a third season in Detroit

• On January 9, 2013 the Panthers hired new general manager Dave Gettlemen who obviously retained Ron Rivera
• On January 8, 2016 the Lions hired Bob Quinn who _______________?