Just because the Lions have a new coach, there is no rebuilding, no transition season.

“We were very, very clear when we made the coaching change and we hired the new coach that the expectation is to win now,’’ team president Tom Lewand said at an appearance on Monday.

That’s why they hired someone with head coaching experience. Make that successful head coaching experience.

“What made (Jim Caldwel) a strong candidate is his expectations were similar to the expectations we have and our ownership has about the window we have to be successful now and to chase the Super Bowl championship today not at some point in the distant future,’’ Lewand said.

Caldwell was hired two weeks after Jim Schwartz was fired.

“He was the guy from the first time he sat down in a room with us set forth a vision that was very similar to where we are as a franchise,’’ Lewand said. “He has a range of skills that are very appropriate for this team at this time.’’

While he praised Schwartz for his efforts, he said there’s a different feeling at the practice facility with Caldwell in the building.

Of course, it’s early.

While Caldwell has met some of his players, under the collective bargaining the offseason program can’t start until April 7. 

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)