Early Years and Formation of the Franchise
The Detroit Lions were established in 1930, originally as the Portsmouth Spartans before relocating to Detroit in 1934. In these early days, the concept of a general manager was not as formalized as it is today, with ownership often directly influencing team decisions.
First General Managers
- Gus Dorais (1934-1940): Dorais was the Lions’ first head coach and was also involved in team management. His era laid the groundwork for future management structures.
- Ralph Wilson (1940-1941): Although Wilson is better known for founding the Buffalo Bills, he had a brief stint managing the Lions and started to introduce more structured decision-making processes.
Modern Era of General Managers
The modern role of the general manager began taking shape in the 1960s, as professional football became more organized and competitive. The Lions experienced some highs and lows during this period, with various general managers influencing the team's fate.
Key General Managers in the 1960s and 1970s
1. George Wilson (1965-1970): Wilson was instrumental in building a competitive team during the '60s. His management saw the Lions reach the playoffs multiple times, although they fell short of a championship.
2. Joe Schmidt (1973-1975): A legendary linebacker for the Lions, Schmidt transitioned into the GM role but struggled to replicate his playing success in management. His tenure saw a decline in team performance.
1980s to 2000s: A Period of Struggles and Changes
The Lions faced significant challenges throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. The management structure saw frequent changes, reflecting the team's inconsistent performance.
Notable General Managers in This Era
- Rusty Tillman (1981-1984): Tillman attempted to revitalize the team but faced difficulties in drafting and player acquisition.
- William Clay Ford Sr. (1984-1994): As the owner and de facto GM, Ford had a hand in many critical decisions. His tenure saw the drafting of notable players like Barry Sanders, but team success remained elusive.
- Chuck Schmidt (1996-1997): Schmidt's brief term was marked by a lack of strategic direction, and the team continued to struggle.
The Millen Era: 2001-2008
One of the most controversial periods in the Lions' GM history is undoubtedly the Matt Millen era. Appointed in 2001, Millen's tenure would be marked by a series of poor draft choices and team management strategies.
Impact of Matt Millen
- Draft Decisions: Millen is infamous for his draft selections, including a series of wide receivers in the early rounds. Notable picks included Charles Rogers (2003), Roy Williams (2004), and Mike Williams (2005), none of whom became the franchise players the team had hoped for.
- Team Performance: Under Millen's direction, the Lions never finished better than 6-10 in a season. His era culminated in the team's infamous 0-16 season in 2008, the first in NFL history.
Post-Millen Era: Rebuilding the Franchise
Following Millen’s departure, the Lions sought new leadership to rebuild the franchise. This era has been characterized by a focus on drafting and player development.
New Leadership and General Managers
1. Martin Mayhew (2008-2015): Mayhew took over during the team's rebuilding phase. He made significant strides in reshaping the roster, drafting key players like Matthew Stafford (2009), Ndamukong Suh (2010), and Calvin Johnson (2007). His tenure saw the Lions return to playoff contention in 2011.
2. Bob Quinn (2016-2020): Hired from the New England Patriots, Quinn aimed to bring a winning culture to Detroit. His draft picks included notable players like Jarrad Davis and Frank Ragnow. However, coaching changes and inconsistent team performance led to his dismissal.
Current Era and Future Prospects
The Lions’ current general manager, Brad Holmes, was appointed in 2021. Holmes came from the Los Angeles Rams and is focused on building a competitive team through smart drafting and free agency.
Brad Holmes’ Approach
- Draft Philosophy: Holmes has emphasized the importance of the draft, acquiring key players like Penei Sewell and Aidan Hutchinson to bolster the team's core.
- Team Culture: He has also focused on creating a positive team culture, working closely with head coach Dan Campbell to establish a winning mentality within the organization.
Conclusion
The history of the Detroit Lions' general managers reflects a team that has seen its share of triumphs and failures. From the early days of informal management to the structured approach of today, the role of the GM has evolved significantly. The Lions continue to seek success, with a focus on smart decision-making and player development as they move forward in the NFL landscape.
As the franchise looks to the future, the importance of effective leadership, strategic planning, and a commitment to building a competitive roster will be crucial. The Detroit Lions' GM history serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges inherent in running a professional football team, and it will be interesting to see how the current management shapes the franchise in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first general manager of the Detroit Lions?
The first general manager of the Detroit Lions was George Wilson, who held the position from 1934 to 1936.
What significant changes occurred in the Lions' front office during the 2000s?
During the 2000s, the Lions saw multiple changes in their general manager positions, including the notable tenures of Matt Millen from 2001 to 2008, which were marked by controversial draft decisions and team struggles.
Who was the general manager of the Lions before Brad Holmes?
Before Brad Holmes, the general manager of the Detroit Lions was Bob Quinn, who served from 2016 until his dismissal in 2020.
What impact did Bob Quinn have on the Lions' roster?
Bob Quinn made significant changes to the Lions' roster, including drafting players like Frank Ragnow and T.J. Hockenson, but faced criticism for his overall team performance and lack of playoff success.
When did Brad Holmes become the general manager of the Lions?
Brad Holmes was hired as the general manager of the Detroit Lions on January 18, 2021.
What was Brad Holmes' previous role before joining the Lions?
Before joining the Lions, Brad Holmes was the director of college scouting for the Los Angeles Rams, where he played a key role in their successful draft strategies.
How have the Lions' draft strategies changed under Brad Holmes?
Under Brad Holmes, the Lions have focused on building a strong foundation through the draft, emphasizing player development and selecting high-character athletes.
What challenges has the Lions' front office faced historically?
Historically, the Lions' front office has faced challenges such as inconsistent leadership, frequent turnover in management, and difficulty in building a competitive team.
Who was the general manager during the Lions' last playoff win?
The general manager during the Lions' last playoff win in 1991 was Chuck Schmidt.
What are the expectations for the Lions' front office moving forward?
The expectations for the Lions' front office moving forward include fostering a winning culture, building a competitive roster, and returning to playoff contention under Brad Holmes' leadership.
