The Detroit Lions have confirmed that Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell has become their new head coach.

Reports suggested that the 58-year-old was close to sealing a deal to join the Lions to replace the fired Jim Schwartz following their failure to reach the playoffs in the 2013 season.

Team owner William Clay Ford revealed that he and his front office staff were delighted to land a coach of Caldwell's calibre to lead his club.

"On behalf on my entire family, I want to express how thrilled we are with the appointment of Jim Caldwell as our new head coach," Ford said in a statement.

"We believe Jim is the right man to lead our team and deliver a championship to our fans. I also want to commend [team president] Tom [Lewand] and [General Manager] Martin [Mayhew] on the thoroughness of the coaching search.

"We had a very specific plan and profile for our next head coach, and I am convinced that we found that man in Jim Caldwell."

Caldwell has previous head coaching experience with the Indianapolis Colts as he led them to the Super Bowl in the 2009 season, where they were defeated by the New Orleans Saints.