According to an ESPN report, Detroit Lions owner Martha Ford fired team president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew on Thursday, citing that the team needs to go a different direction, and fast.
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But while long-suffering Lions fans greeted the news with hallelujahs and hosannas, the most important step in any potential revitalization of this perpetually moribund organization is the next one.
Head coach: Ford said that head coach Jim Caldwell and his staff have been retained. The Lions reached the playoffs twice since Mayhew’s hiring, but could not earn their first playoff win since 1991.
That often ended up failing the Detroit Lions, leading to years of struggles and a franchise that pretty much set the standard for losing among the four major American pro sports. That falls on the coach.
Ultimately, there’s no way Caldwell survives under a new regime. He’s a part of the old one and that problem was just broomed out. Linebackers coach Bill Sheridan and defensive line aide Jim Washburn have been around the block, but Caldwell likely lobbied to see it through. Last season there were few concerns.
I doubt it’s as simple as one guy making all of the business transactions, while the other guy decides who he wants to draft, sign and cut. First, the Lions need to get things right at the top.
Many, including myself, have defended Martin Mayhew for a long time. He knows how to make quarterbacks successful and Denver has a good environment to help Stafford rebound.
Stafford, whose current deal runs through 2017, would count $11 million against the cap if the Lions trade him. Lewand fit the profile of the family friend the Fords couldn’t cut loose. In both seasons, Stafford and this offense have worsened drastically. “I’m just being calm, being reserved, and coming through with that challenge and tying to tackle everything as they come”. The 2016 NFL Draft will be crucial for the Lions, as they clearly are starting from the ground up again.
Now there’s an even clearer message about her expectations for the Lions. Well, it’s not hard, it just depends on how you want to classify the younger players. She also has probably been to more Lions games than any fan.
“If you’ve been in this league awhile, you understand it’s a week-to-week business”, quarterback Matthew Stafford said. That’s a real change for this organization. “Our fans deserve a winning football team and we do everything possible to make it a reality”.
I do believe Mrs. Ford cares. His inconsistency at times, combined with his inability to take Detroit to the next level (getting to the playoffs and securing a playoff spot yearly) has drawn criticism.
The front office cleaning was a nice start. She still has to hire replacements and get the team on track.
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“When they win people tend to hang out and celebrate a little more”, he says, ” and when they lose people tend to find something else to do with their Sunday so it hasn’t been great”.
