Lions ownership issues statement on the release of long snapper Don Muhlbach

Owner Sheila Ford Hamp called Muhlbach “one of the Detroit Lions all-time greats”

It was stunning news to hear that the Detroit Lions were releasing longtime long snapper Don Muhlbach. It’s a testament to Muhlbach’s legacy that the Lions ownership offered up an official statement thanking Muhlbach for his 17 seasons in Detroit.

From owner Sheila Ford Hamp in a press release,

Don Muhlbach will go down as one of the all-time Detroit Lions greats. Since joining our team as a free agent in 2004, to earning the respect of his teammates as a team captain, he has represented our organization with class, consistency and true sportsmanship. His 260 career games played, the second-most in team history behind only Jason Hanson, illustrate the dedication to his craft he has displayed over the course of his 17 seasons. Only 36 players in the history of the National Football League have played in more games than Don, and we are proud to call him a Lion for life.

Away from the field, Don has been the consummate leader. Often assisting behind the scenes with the planning and execution of team philanthropic initiatives, Don’s passion for making a difference in our city has been evident since the day he set foot in Detroit. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of his family, and we wish him, his wife, Alix, and their three children, Addison, Jack and Avery, the very best in the future. We are so thankful for everything Don has given to our organization.

“Death, taxes and Don Muhlbach” is no longer the mantra for the Lions. Thanks for the outstanding career in Detroit, Don, you were truly a great one.

Owner Sheila Ford Hamp spoke up for a wide receiver in the draft

Hamp asked GM Brad Holmes the question fans were asking themselves while watching the draft unfold

The Detroit Lions lost their top four wide receivers from a year ago this offseason, and the talent drain at WR was significant. Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones were one of the NFL’s best combinations, and Danny Amendola in the slot was a very good fit. Veteran Mohamed Sanu provided a nice spark after joining the team, too.

Replacing all those catches seemed like a massive imperative for the new Lions regime. In a receiver-heavy draft, it seemed like a foregone conclusion the team would select at least one wideout in the first couple of rounds.

Except that wasn’t the plan for new GM Brad Holmes and his braintrust. When the Lions were about to be on the clock in the third round and had drafted OT Penei Sewell and DE Levi Onwuzurike, the concerns at receiver reached the top of the organization.

Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp, who sat in the draft room, brought up the receiver need to Holmes in the third round. The moment was captured on the team’s “Inside the Den” video.

“What would we do if we don’t get a receiver out of the draft?”, Hamp questioned.

Holmes justified his rationale and plan, noting the depth at wide receiver versus the scarcity at other positions of need.

“Well, we’ll still look at all of those receivers. You know we still got the USC kid and all of those kids, so we’ll still be in the position to get one because of the depth at the position. Because here, really McNeill is the only real nose tackle,” Holmes explained.

McNeill is Alim McNeill, who was the Lions selection at No. 72 overall. The USC kid turned out to be the team’s next pick, Amon-Ra St. Brown, 40 slots later in the fourth round.

Hamp being involved without being intrusive is a good showing of responsibility for the organization. Holmes being secure enough in his process, his job title and his supporting staff is an even better sign. The young GM didn’t kowtow to his boss and didn’t take offense. He calmly, confidently, rationally explained the plan to Hamp. Instead of creating a rift or a sense of distrust, the situation fostered unity.

Ladies and gentlemen, that’s how good NFL teams are run. This wasn’t a case of a meddlesome owner taking the advice of a homeless man on a first-round pick, or overriding the scouting department to take a lesser-talented player from his alma mater instead.

Hamp had every right to question the thought process and the overwhelming need for WR help. But she didn’t demand it of Holmes. She asked a smart question, one that most Lions fans were muttering while watching the draft unfold. Holmes gave a smart, honest answer–and it was the right one for the team’s plan, too.

Charles Harris: Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp personalized his signing with Detroit

Charles Harris: Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp personalized his signing with Detroit

One thing stood out during new Lions pass rusher Charles Harris’ introductory press conference on Monday. Harris has a great appreciation for the passion and dedication of Detroit owner Sheila Ford Hamp.

Harris noted that Hamp directly talked to him when he arrived to sign his contract. That’s not something every owner does, certainly not for a one-year contract for a journeyman player who might not even make the team. It’s something Harris waxed poetically about during his engaging and erudite press conference.

“Yeah it had an effect that’s, um, how can I say it? It’s laugh and giggles like, haha, just go get the quarterback. But there’s a seriousness to it, you know what I mean? Because it’s true. It’s, really, that’s my only job. That’s all you have to do, that all you have to do for us or that’s all you have to do for me, in her words,” Harris said of the Lions owner.’

He continued,

“With that comes a sense of responsibility that’s deeper than just ‘I understand’. It’s more so, I’ll get it done for you. It almost personalizes it, if that makes sense, because she personally said that … when someone asks for something and they ask for you to do it, they bring you on board, the bring you onto their team, to their home, to their city, their franchise, whatever you want to call it, and they make a request of you, it’s up to you, as an individual, to get it done. I think that’s … going to bring more of a sense of seriousness and personalness behind it.”

The former Dolphins first-round flop is hoping to keep his career ascending after a redemptive 2020 season in Atlanta where he was used more in a stand-up pass rushing role that took better advantage of his speed and athleticism.

 

Dan Campbell’s biggest focus is building a culture from within Detroit

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell preached on building a culture from within Detroit amongst the players and the coaching staff

Ever since Dan Campbell was hired as head coach of the Detroit Lions, he has been created a persona that likable and makes it easy to root for him to be successful. He says the right things on how he wants to do things in Detroit, and the intensity that comes with it is genuine and makes him want to run through a wall for him.

Currently, he is on a media frenzy making appearances after appearances. One show he was on only earlier this week was Tiki and Tierney on CBS Sports Radio, and if you haven’t got a chance to listen to it, you are missing out on some gems.

Right off the bat, you knew it was going to be a good show when Tiki Barber was calling Dan Campbell and called it odd, weird, and doesn’t sound right. Tiki and Dan were teammates for four years during their time with New York Giants.

One of the questions that were asked for Dan Campbell was why he wanted Detroit because of the infamous history surrounding the franchise. When he was a free agent in 2006, Detroit was one of the teams that came calling. He was apprehensive because he heard the descriptions that came with the city and weren’t sure he was making the right choice.

When he arrived, it couldn’t have further from the truth. As soon as he arrived, he said, “The people and the community were unbelievable, and they love their sports.” He could tell ownership was investing in this team and said later, “There is something special about this place. I remember thinking. If we could ever win here, this would be remembered forever.”

A later question was asked on the steps needed to make Detroit a winner. He always sang the praises of Sheila Ford Hamp and how she is invested in this team and makes sure from top to bottom everyone has everything they need to be successful. He also says, “It’s all about the team. There are teams in this league that say all that, and they don’t live up to it on top.”

Campbell has reassured us that this is not going the same old Lions team we grown accustomed to on numerous occasions. There are deep cultural changes that are going on inside Allen Park at the moment, and it has come at the right time for when the city needs it the most.

He continued with the steps to building the franchise, and he said, “To build and sustain a winner, you have to do it through the draft. You have to!” He spoke about how franchises want to win right now, but they don’t have the vision and patience to see through a transition that might 2-3 years before it finally comes true.

He continued to preach on the success of the draft and how you build a winning franchise is to grow, develop, resign, and draft again. As soon as Brad Holmes was hired, you can tell this team will be built through the draft instead of through free agency, and the narrative has continued.

This is absolutely the best way to build this a winning franchise, and that is where the last regime failed. They were unable to develop the talent from their drafted players and, in turn, had to make moves in free agency that might have seemed questionable and left the mess for this regime.

It also seems like this regime is going to play the compensatory pick game. The way Dan Campbell spoke on stockpiling draft picks thus allowing Brad Holmes do what he does best. It sure sounds like they will take all the draft picks they can get their hands on.

Campbell also went to talk about his staff and how he was able to hire everyone he wanted to and, in turn, creating a legion of former players that swarmed to be with Campbell. The way the coaches flocked to Detroit speaks to the testament on how well-liked he is and the plan to make this franchise better.

When he talked about the organization’s development, he wasn’t just referring to the players but also the staff. The Lions organization wants to develop coaches that will allow them to be successful in the league. In particular, Campbell spoke about one coach, assistant head coach/running backs coach, Deuce Staley.

Campbell said, “Staley will be a head coach, and I will do everything to help him get his shot.” He is currently giving Staely some of a head coach’s daily responsibilities, grooming him and getting him ready for bigger things.

The culture shift in Detroit is something other organizations need to be looking at. It is quite impressive how the demeanor of many analysts, reporters, and fans changed when the regime took hold. Some people may say this is all talk and no play. If you have listened to Campbell talk, you know this isn’t just talking. He is ready to make big changes and bring the city of Detroit back into its winning ways.

[lawrence-related id=59534]

Sheila Ford Hamp, Brad Holmes featured at NFL’s Women’s Careers in Football forum

The NFL continues to try and attract women to job openings around the league

Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp and general manager Brad Holmes are among the featured speakers at this year’s Women’s Careers in Football Forum, sponsored by the NFL.

Hamp is one of three owners who will speak. All three are women, adding extra emphasis to the opportunities available within the NFL.

Holmes is one of seven NFL GMs who will speak.

From the NFL’s press release,

The NFL will host the fifth annual Women’s Careers in Football Forum virtually Feb. 24-25 as part of its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Forum will connect 40 women, 75% of whom are women of color, with leaders in professional football to help those women network and build relationships in the areas of coaching, scouting and football operations.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the conference will be held virtually this year. This is the fifth year of the conference.

[lawrence-related id=59263]

Sheila Ford Hamp, Brad Holmes featured at NFL’s Women’s Careers in Football forum

The NFL continues to try and attract women to job openings around the league

Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp and general manager Brad Holmes are among the featured speakers at this year’s Women’s Careers in Football Forum, sponsored by the NFL.

Hamp is one of three owners who will speak. All three are women, adding extra emphasis to the opportunities available within the NFL.

Holmes is one of seven NFL GMs who will speak.

From the NFL’s press release.

The NFL will host the fifth annual Women’s Careers in Football Forum virtually Feb. 24-25 as part of its ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Forum will connect 40 women, 75% of whom are women of color, with leaders in professional football to help those women network and build relationships in the areas of coaching, scouting and football operations.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the conference will be held virtually this year. This is the fifth year of the conference.

[lawrence-related id=59263]

Chris Spielman praises Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp’s commitment to winning

Spielman made it clear her efforts are appreciated but not the final say

Detroit Lions special assistant Chris Spielman took to the airwaves in Detroit on Wednesday and offered up an interesting look at how important it is for his boss, owner Sheila Ford Hamp, to get things right with the team. Spielman noted Hamp is actively involved in overviewing the processes behind the scenes in Allen Park.

Hamp has been integral in the team’s hiring decisions, offering input on choosing new GM Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell. But where does she fit into the team’s new power structure?

“It was interesting, people ask me all the time, how much is Sheila involved,” Spielman said on 97.1 the Ticket. “Well, Sheila has been involved by being in all these personnel meetings. She sat in two days of offensive free agency meetings and defensive free agency meetings.”

Speilman then shared an anecdote on just how dedicated Hamp is to turning the Lions into winners and being personally involved in making that happen.

“I had a great office when I got here,” Spielman stated. “All of a sudden, I’m on a corner next to the exit door. I said, ‘What happened?’ Well, Sheila wants this office because it’s right in the middle of everything, which is awesome.

It just goes to show her commitment to what she wants and how involved she is, you know, being in these meetings and giving her opinion, which is fun. It’s cool to see the commitment that she has and that (president) Rod (Wood), (senior vice president) Mike Disner and everybody has.”

Perhaps realizing that those comments could be construed as ownership making decisions they ought not to be, Spielman quickly efforted to clear that up.

“Everybody understands that, as far as the personnel goes, Brad and Dan, it’s on them. They’ve gotta sign their name to it,” Spielman said emphatically.

[lawrence-related id=59172]

Lions show growth and learning from mistakes by hiring Chris Spielman

Who knows if it will work, but it is certainly worth the try.

[jwplayer qLoEf0nU-ThvAeFxT]

Sheila Ford Hamp is stepping out and proving these are not her father’s, or mother’s, Detroit Lions. In bringing back franchise legends Chris Spielman and Barry Sanders to help choose the new GM and head coach for the team, it’s proof Hamp has learned the lessons from the mistakes of her parents during their ownership reigns.

The last GM search was the first time Martha Firestone Ford was in charge of the organization’s direction. Her late husband, William Clay Ford, had ruled over the team since 1963. Mrs. Ford moved Rod Wood, a businessman with close family ties, into the president role and, with the NFL’s requested assistance, hired legendary team-builder Ernie Accorsi to run the search for Martin Mayhew’s replacement.

Accorsi proved better at building his own team than helping the Lions. A short search produced just three interviews, one of them being Bob Quinn. Now Quinn was a hot candidate for many jobs at the time. He was regarded then the way many speak of Ed Dodds or Mike Borgonzi today. But Accorsi barely kicked any other bushes in his “search”.

Wood didn’t know better at the time. He was new to the job and new to football. By bringing in Spielman and expanding the search committee to also include (among others) Barry Sanders, the Lions have demonstrated they learned from Woods’ ignorant error.

It’s also a smart nod to fans who have grown tired of the way the team has treated popular alums. Spielman has long been a fan favorite from his days playing linebacker the way many of us were brought up to play. He’s shown his intelligence and communication skills as a respected (by many) broadcaster with FOX, a job he resigned to rejoin the Lions. His brother, Rick, has been a very successful GM with the division rival Minnesota Vikings.

In short, Spielman is a known commodity. No Detroit vetting needed. It’s a smart move to reestablish trust with a fan base sick and tired of the “Patriot Way”.

There were allusions to that failed experiment in the introductory press conference. Spielman riffed upon the “One Pride” that is the Lions broad fandom,

“I think that’s something that we are committed to create. The ‘One Pride’ thing, to me, goes beyond the building. Obviously in the building, but the ‘One Pride’ thing is embracing Detroit. The City of Detroit. The fans of Detroit. That’s something that I think I still identify with, I feel a part of, and for lack of another word, it’s really, really good to be home in that regard.”

Nobody ever got that feeling from Bob Quinn or Matt Patricia. The mismatch of Martin Mayhew and Jim Caldwell never really rang that bell, either. Now building a team in the identity and football values of Chris Spielman, with Barry Sanders helping in the process, that’s something even the most recalcitrant and repulsed Detroit fans can support.

And that’s exactly what the franchise needs. Fan enthusiasm. Real enthusiasm coming from a respect for the game. Hamp and Wood have smartly pivoted into embracing the fans and trying a new way. It demonstrates they are listening and aware of the franchise’s recent, and long-running, errant ways. Wood did not handle the first assignment well, and this time he’s smartly asked for better, more invested help in the process. As fans, it’s nice to see the growth and development in the process from the leadership of the team.

Who knows if it will work, but it is certainly worth the try.

 

Chris Spielman to join Detroit Lions as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO

The Detroit Lions announced that former linebacker Chris Spielman to join the team as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO.

The Detroit Lions announced that former linebacker Chris Spielman will join the team as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO.

Spielman spent eight years with the Lions after they selected him in the second round of the 1988 draft, and he led the team to NFC North (then Central) division titles and an appearance in the 1992 NFC Championship Game. He was a team captain, a Pro Bowler, and team MVP.

After Spielman’s playing career was complete, he entered broadcasting and has spent time across multiple networks including ESPN, FOX, and was the color commentator for the Lions preseason games the last seven seasons.

As this is a full-time role, Spielman will be stepping away from his current broadcasting position at FOX to immediately help Shelia Ford Hamp and Rod Wood in their search for a new general manager and head coach. He will sit in on all interviews moving forward and will go back and revisit the three internal interviews the Lions conducted last week.

“I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to be involved with the franchise that is truly a part of me,” Spielman said in a press release. “The opportunity to work with Rod Wood and every single person in the Lions organization can’t get here fast enough. To Lions fans everywhere, I will do everything in my power to help Mrs. Hamp and the Ford Family achieve their vision of something we can all be proud of.”

Bringing in a football minded advisor in Spielman, to assist business-minded Wood and new principal owner Hamp in their search is a wise move, as it will give them a trusted perspective outside of their own.

Hamp and Wood also issued statements:

Hamp: “Chris Spielman has been a tremendous ambassador for the Detroit Lions since the day he first put on a uniform as a rookie in 1988. He brings great passion for people and the game of football, and we are thrilled to have him on board to help lead our team. This position is a full-time opportunity for Chris that will allow him to work across various departments on both the football and business sides of our organization.”

Wood: “This is an exciting day for the Lions organization. The Ford Family and I look forward to working with Chris and leaning on his knowledge and advice as we take the next steps as a team. His relationship with our team and our city will serve as a strong foundation for him in helping to fortify and sustain our organization’s culture.”

Additionally, the Lions announced that Barry Sanders (former Lions Hall of Fame Running Back), Rod Graves (Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation Executive Director), Mark Hollis (Rock Ventures Vice President of Business Development) will serve as advisors in the teams search for a GM and head coach.

Lions getting help from the NFL in search for a new GM

The Lions are not using a search firm

The Detroit Lions are not utilizing a search firm to hire their new general manager. That does not mean owner Sheila Ford Hamp, president Rod Wood and the Lions are making the choice on their own, however.

The Lions have already sought advice and assistance in the hiring process from outside places, including the NFL itself. As Dave Birkett noted in the Detroit Free Press, the Lions have already turned to the NFL for some guidance in the process,

The Lions have leaned heavily on the NFL in general, and executive vice president Troy Vincent in particular, for advice in the early stages of their search.

It’s not out of the ordinary for teams to turn to the NFL for help in assembling names and candidates. In the last Lions search that resulted in the Bob Quinn hiring, the NFL recommended longtime league GM Ernie Accorsi as an advisor to the Lions. Detroit employed Accorsi, who didn’t exactly do a thorough search in coming up with Quinn — who was a known top candidate at the time.

As a comparison, the Houston Texans have assembled quite a roster of aid in their search committee to replace Bill O’Brien. From Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston,

McNair’s committee includes Hall of Fame coaches Tony Dungy and Jimmy Johnson, former Texans great Andre Johnson, San Antonio Spurs CEO RC Buford and Rod Graves, a former NFL executive who is the executive director of the Fritz Pollard Alliance.  

The Texans did bring in an executive from the search firm Korn Ferry to help make the final choice, along with team owner Cal McNair and president Jamey Roots. Like the Lions pair of Hamp and Wood, neither McNair nor Roots has real football experience.