Lions President Rod Wood confirmed recently hired executive Chris Spielman is involved in pursuing team training, and Wood – a self-proclaimed non-footballer – helped make some football decisions during the team’s time between GMs, notes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. Wood, however, described his role as another suggestion box or sounding board for the team’s current office. As for the Lions’ HC and GM searches, the team president offered a vague description of how this search is unfolding differently.
“One of the things that I think we’re doing differently and that didn’t happen, at least in the research I’ve been involved in Bob (Quinn) and Matt (Patricia) is really identifying what we want for a Detroit Lion coach and general manager. Not what any other team might want, but what do the Detroit Lions want?”Wood said, via Birkett. “So, we are discussing and detailing many very specific criteria that are unique to us. “
Lions may be looking for a kind of scout for the role of GM, and Albert Breer of SI.com adds that the next Detroit technician would not have to be an offensive genius to get the job. Michigan native Robert Saleh emerged as a pioneer. Here are the latest news from Detroit:
- Lions have interviewed eight candidates so far for their GM position. They must not stop there. The organization hopes to risk much more than 10 respondents for this role, Breer tweets. So far, Lions have interviewed independent and internal candidates, with Rick smith, Scott Pioli and Louis Riddick the biggest names involved so far.
- One of the lower profile candidates, however, may have some momentum. Rams College Scouting Director Brad Holmes to be interviewed, and Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal tweets Holmes is considered a serious candidate to succeed Quinn. Holmes has been with the Rams for 18 years. Lions will have competition, however. Falcons must also meet with Holmes.
- Regarding interviews with the head coach, Lions waited. They are not choosing to take advantage of a recent change in NFL rules that allowed for virtual interviews with candidates, Breer tweets. The franchise will then go through the usual search process, which can begin next week.
- While Matthew Stafford has been the Lions QB1 since its arrival in 2009, it has been mentioned in commercial speculation for a while. The next hired coach will be Stafford’s fourth full-time HC, and the next GM will be third in Stafford’s career. Some members of the Lions organization are wondering if Stafford would be willing to be part of another reconstruction, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler. Stafford was involved in trade rumors earlier this year, but Quinn dismissed that possibility and kept the 32-year-old passer. With Stafford’s $ 27 million-a-year contract no closer to the top of the QB market, teams will be interested in the armed cannon passer – should the next Lions regime receive offers. A few AFC teams – like Broncos, Colts or Patriots – and the 49ers’ profile are teams that might be interested in the veteran.