A Tuesday report from the Detroit Free Press says new Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, pictured, could hire Rutgers offensive coordinator Ron Prince. (AP file photo)

By Tyler Barto
Twitter: @Tyler_Barto
tbarto@trentonian.com

Rutgers offensive coordinator Ron Prince could be in line to join new head coach Jim Caldwell's staff with the Detroit Lions, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Prince's departure would mean the Scarlet Knights would have to conduct a play caller search for the fifth time in as many years. Head coach Kyle Flood would undertake his fourth coordinator search in two offseasons.

Prince served on the same Indianapolis Colts staff as Caldwell from 2010-11. It is unknown for what position Prince would be hired.

Under Prince, Rutgers has flirted with more pro tendencies, including shotgun-heavy formations and zone-read looks. Rutgers finished 95th nationally in total offense, 77th in scoring and No. 62 in passing.

Prince would join former coordinator Frank Cignetti in leaving for an NFL job — Cignetti took the St. Louis Rams' quarterbacks coach opening in 2012. Dave Brock became the head coach at Delaware in 2013.

Flood named Prince the team's permanent quarterbacks coach during bowl practice. Prince held an interim tag after the firing of quarterbacks coach Rob Spence.

Prince's reported departure could mean an identity crisis offensively for Rutgers. Prince said during bowl practice he envisioned the zone read remaining in Rutgers' scheme. Flood has yearned for a traditional pro-style offense, but personnel prompted changes last season.

A new coordinator would show if Flood remains willing to be flexible or returns to his Northeast roots.