What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Lions owner says Lewand and Mayhew will be back (1 Viewer)

Status
Not open for further replies.
Anthony Borbely

Anthony Borbely

Footballguy
Link

Ford: Lewand, Mayhew will stay with Lions

by Tom Kowalski

Sunday December 21, 2008, 3:30 PM

DETROIT -- Despite the possibility that his team could finish 0-16 this season, Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford made it clear that there will not be a complete house-cleaning in the offseason.

Prior to Sunday's Lions-Saints game, Ford said that he will hire another person to join the team's football operations but that person might not fill the typical general manager role. Ford said the new hire might not have total control over all personnel matters and that those decisions could be done by committee.

"It depends. I don't know about the odds (of hiring a GM with total authority),'' Ford said. "Let's see who's available and what experience they have and see if they fit in any of our slots.''

Ford said that regardless of who he hires, he also wants both Martin Mayhew and Tom Lewand to stay with the organization -- possibly in the positions they currently hold.

"I don't want to delineate positions to exactly where 'This is you' and "This is me.' I want to leave some latitude,'' Ford said. "When we get a good person, I want Martin in on that, I want his opinion.''

Ford said the team would begin to interview candidates at the end of the regular season and the process will involve a three-man panel.

"Lewand, Martin and me,'' said Ford, adding he wanted to have some decisions made within three weeks after the end of the season.

When asked if vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. will be involved in the offseason decisions, Ford Sr. said, "I don't know, I think he's got a plate-full right now. It depends on what his availability is.''

Mayhew, who had held the title of assistant general manager, took over as general manager in late September after president Matt Millen was fired. Mayhew has reported directly to Ford since that time.

When asked if he was happy with the job Mayhew has done so far, Ford said, "Oh yeah, very.''

Ford also said that if the Lions decide to go with a general manager who holds total authority over all football decisions, Mayhew will be among the candidates.

If Ford goes that route and Mayhew doesn't get the job, Ford said he still wants Mayhew to stay with the Lions organization.

Lewand is expected to continue in his capacity as the team's chief operating officer and run the team's day-to-day business activities and also have authority over all Ford Field operations.

Ford said he's "talked to some people'' and that the team is still putting together a list of candidates to be interviewed. Ford said he doesn't believe there is one "football genius'' out there who can come in and make all the right decisions independently.

"No. If there is, I haven't met him yet,'' Ford said.

As for coach Rod Marinelli and his job status, Ford said he hasn't made any decisions yet.

"I don't know, I haven't made up my mind. I'm leaving it open,'' Ford said.

When asked about Marinelli's 0-14 record -- and Detroit's losses in 21 of the previous 22 games (prior to Sunday's result) -- Ford repeated: "No, I'm keeping it open.''

If there is a change at head coach, Ford said he doesn't know yet who might spearhead that search, himself or the new GM.

"Both of those (head coach and GM) positions now are a little nebulous so it's hard for me to say the GM will do it or I'll do it because I don't know who's going to fit in what slot,'' said Ford, adding that his goal is to make the right choices that will put the Lions on a winning path.

"I hope when this whole process is over with that we've got an organization that can build a winning team,'' Ford said. "The fans have been great and they deserve winners. We're all frustrated. We want to win, too. I hope this is the end product.''
Click to expand...
I feel like throwing up. This is absolutely unbelievable. :thumbdown:
 
Goin' for the repeat -- trying to become the first franchise to go 0-16 back-to-back. :thumbdown:

Ford is just too cheap to bring in anyone else or eat Marinelli's contract (he's the anti-Dan Snyder). Ford can say bye to the season ticket holders he has left that's for sure. Between the horrible play, bad local economy, people are done with the Lions -- as exhibited by the local TV blackouts they had the second half of the season.

 
skillz said:
Goin' for the repeat -- trying to become the first franchise to go 0-16 back-to-back. :thumbdown: Ford is just too cheap to bring in anyone else or eat Marinelli's contract (he's the anti-Dan Snyder). Ford can say bye to the season ticket holders he has left that's for sure. Between the horrible play, bad local economy, people are done with the Lions -- as exhibited by the local TV blackouts they had the second half of the season.
Click to expand...
It isn't money. He ate Mariucci's contract and Millen's. He just doesn't have a clue.
 
Wost... owner... ever.

As much as us few Lions fans hated Millen, the real crux of the problem is the Fords. They have GOT to get the hell out of Detroit (well, out of the NFL at least). They have no business being there at all. Detroit is, and has almost always been the laughing stock of the NFL. How can you stare at setting possibly the most infamous record of falling to 0-16 in a season, and being like 0 for your last 22 games, and want more of the same? Don't do a full house cleaning? Are you kidding me?! :confused:

 
William Clay Ford is senile..that is not a joke..he is.

Tom Lewand is a brown nosing snake, who is a CPA, knows nothing about football and now he is a 1/2 GM?? Martin Mayhew is a Millen clone.

I guess it is true, if WCF likes you..you have job security no matter what.

Ford loved to go out to dinner with Matt Millen...he loved talking with Matt, who cares that Millen destroyed the Lions.. he was good conversation.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Sinrman said:
Wost... owner... ever.As much as us few Lions fans hated Millen, the real crux of the problem is the Fords. They have GOT to get the hell out of Detroit (well, out of the NFL at least). They have no business being there at all. Detroit is, and has almost always been the laughing stock of the NFL. How can you stare at setting possibly the most infamous record of falling to 0-16 in a season, and being like 0 for your last 22 games, and want more of the same? Don't do a full house cleaning? Are you kidding me?! :confused:
Click to expand...
as a life long lions fan, I'm not surprised. I haven't been cheering for an 0-16 but I see it as inevitable. If anyone thinks it is because he is cheap doesn't know what he is talking about. It has nothing to do with money. It has to do with W.C. Ford not wanting to be told what to do. That is why guys who kiss his behind are around forever. Russ Thomas, Wayne Fontes, (bobby ross quit otherwise he would have had a long stay), Millen. What do they have in common? a secret desire to keep Ford's behind moist.Ford won't be told what to do and he will always hire someone who will tell him what he wants to hear. He won't sell, ever! He'll keep hiring the same kind of managers. He does not care! If any of you people think the lions will ever lose the 12:00 game on thanksgiving forget it. It won't happen. Forget it.
 
Anthony Borbely said:
I feel like throwing up. This is absolutely unbelievable. :bag:
Click to expand...
I know this can't surprise you though. This is the same team who kept Monte Clark, Darryl Rogers, and Wayne Fontes for a combined 19 years! It's the same old thing with the Fords, they are loyal to a fault to the wrong people. Henry would have ran these turds out of town long ago and he really has to be looking up from hell wondering why he planted his seed in that woman who produced all these testicular challenged men.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
quickhands said:
Sinrman said:
Wost... owner... ever.As much as us few Lions fans hated Millen, the real crux of the problem is the Fords. They have GOT to get the hell out of Detroit (well, out of the NFL at least). They have no business being there at all. Detroit is, and has almost always been the laughing stock of the NFL. How can you stare at setting possibly the most infamous record of falling to 0-16 in a season, and being like 0 for your last 22 games, and want more of the same? Don't do a full house cleaning? Are you kidding me?! :(
Click to expand...
as a life long lions fan, I'm not surprised. I haven't been cheering for an 0-16 but I see it as inevitable. If anyone thinks it is because he is cheap doesn't know what he is talking about. It has nothing to do with money. It has to do with W.C. Ford not wanting to be told what to do. That is why guys who kiss his behind are around forever. Russ Thomas, Wayne Fontes, (bobby ross quit otherwise he would have had a long stay), Millen. What do they have in common? a secret desire to keep Ford's behind moist.Ford won't be told what to do and he will always hire someone who will tell him what he wants to hear. He won't sell, ever! He'll keep hiring the same kind of managers. He does not care! If any of you people think the lions will ever lose the 12:00 game on thanksgiving forget it. It won't happen. Forget it.
Click to expand...
:bag: Absolutely. Never really been a question of money. It's not wanting to be told what to do and admitting fault.
 
Sinrman said:
quickhands said:
Sinrman said:
Wost... owner... ever.

As much as us few Lions fans hated Millen, the real crux of the problem is the Fords. They have GOT to get the hell out of Detroit (well, out of the NFL at least). They have no business being there at all. Detroit is, and has almost always been the laughing stock of the NFL. How can you stare at setting possibly the most infamous record of falling to 0-16 in a season, and being like 0 for your last 22 games, and want more of the same? Don't do a full house cleaning? Are you kidding me?! :rant:
Click to expand...
as a life long lions fan, I'm not surprised. I haven't been cheering for an 0-16 but I see it as inevitable. If anyone thinks it is because he is cheap doesn't know what he is talking about. It has nothing to do with money. It has to do with W.C. Ford not wanting to be told what to do.

That is why guys who kiss his behind are around forever. Russ Thomas, Wayne Fontes, (bobby ross quit otherwise he would have had a long stay), Millen. What do they have in common? a secret desire to keep Ford's behind moist.

Ford won't be told what to do and he will always hire someone who will tell him what he wants to hear. He won't sell, ever! He'll keep hiring the same kind of managers. He does not care!

If any of you people think the lions will ever lose the 12:00 game on thanksgiving forget it. It won't happen. Forget it.
Click to expand...
:bag: Absolutely. Never really been a question of money. It's not wanting to be told what to do and admitting fault.
Click to expand...
:( That is the truth! WCF will do the opposite of what his paying customers want.

 
I don't know about Mayhew but he seems like a sharp guy.

Obviously he's not going to fire Marinelli with a game left. Don't get uptight over that.

 
Capella said:
I don't know about Mayhew but he seems like a sharp guy.Obviously he's not going to fire Marinelli with a game left. Don't get uptight over that.
Click to expand...
I think the Lions would be doing Rod a favor by getting rid of him right now. Save him the final humilation.
 
I don't think it's that crazy.

The team is at such a disadvantage as far as talent is concerned it'd be hard for any coaching regime to get more than a couple of wins with this group.

Millen was properly fired several years too late, tough to judge this regime's performance when they're given knives and are told to join a gun fight.

 
Montgomery Burns: So your saying I'm invincible.

Doctor: Actually the slightest wind could...

Montgomery Burns: Invincible.

 
No reason not to bring back Lewand. He is in charge of the business side of the franchise, headed the team that built Ford Field and has successfully kept the Lions tracked through the salary cap for 10+ years. It's in the evaluation of talent side of the equation(Millen) where things have been a trainwreck for awhile.

 
SofaKings said:
No reason not to bring back Lewand. He is in charge of the business side of the franchise, headed the team that built Ford Field and has successfully kept the Lions tracked through the salary cap for 10+ years. It's in the evaluation of talent side of the equation(Millen) where things have been a trainwreck for awhile.
Click to expand...
you are a loyal friend indeed. put the friendship aside, buddy. It's time to clean house.
 
SofaKings said:
No reason not to bring back Lewand. He is in charge of the business side of the franchise, headed the team that built Ford Field and has successfully kept the Lions tracked through the salary cap for 10+ years. It's in the evaluation of talent side of the equation(Millen) where things have been a trainwreck for awhile.
Click to expand...
The Lions have a losing culture and Lewand is part of it. Lewand is now trying to wiggle into the football part as well..he needs to go.
 
I do not think Ford has a plan for the future based on this. Sounds like Ford could give the third person to be named whatever areas Lewand and Mayhew do not want.

The thought of retaining Marinelli is freaky.

Millen scapegoated Mornhinweg, Mariucci for his lack of success. Mayhew, Lewand and (Marinelli?)

will now scapegoat Millen and retain their jobs. The circle of life.

 
50 years and only 1 playoff win. This is the most pathetic franchise in sports history. The senile clown doesn't know

how to run a football team, let alone a car company. I have not seen someone given this much opportunity

and do so little. He lived a worthless life and will die a worthless human being.

 
If the Ford's were smart, they would do a house cleaning just like Miami did.

I say they could rebuild by just stealing from New England. Hire Pioli as the GM, McDaniels as HC, and then bring in Cassell to be the QB. Although I think Cassell is being overrated, he knows the system and would be able to step right in and help. This would allow them to concentrate on other needs in the draft.

 
Domination said:
If the Ford's were smart, they would do a house cleaning just like Miami did.

I say they could rebuild by just stealing from New England. Hire Pioli as the GM, McDaniels as HC, and then bring in Cassell to be the QB. Although I think Cassell is being overrated, he knows the system and would be able to step right in and help. This would allow them to concentrate on other needs in the draft.
Click to expand...
The key word is smart...WCF has never been accused of that.
 
They really need to blow it up and start over with the lions, but I'm not sure that Martinelli is that bad, it seems like the lions are still playing pretty hard, but they are so bad especially on defense! They should use every one of their draft picks on defense and trade the number 1 pick for more picks!!

 
Anthony Borbely said:
Deuceman said:
Great article by Dan Wetzel from Yahoo Sports on the Lions debacle.

BTW, I think after the season ends Lion brass (namely Ford, Sr.) will have a change of heart, clean house and hire someone who will have full authority.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ane5...o&type=lgns
Click to expand...
Ford is not going to change his mind.
Click to expand...
If this happens he willhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3795922

Will Bill Parcells become a free agent -- again?

Bill Parcells' contract with the Dolphins allows him to leave the team if owner Wayne Huizenga sells his majority share.

It's a possibility, hinging on whether Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga's sale of his majority ownership of the team goes through, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

When Parcells joined the Dolphins as executive vice president of football operations last year, his deal included a onetime out clause that would allow him to walk away, with the rest of his $12 million guaranteed contract fully paid, no strings attached, if Huizenga were to sell the team.

Earlier this year, Huizenga agreed to sell 95 percent of the Dolphins to New York developer and team part-owner Stephen Ross. Huizenga hopes to close on the deal by early January to ensure that the capital gains taxes on the sale remain at 15 percent before President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office Jan. 20, Mortensen reported.

Parcells' contract specifically states only Huizenga can be in authority over him. Once Ross officially becomes majority owner, Parcells has to notify Ross within 30 days that he intends to exercise his walk-away clause and collect the full balance of $9 million, Mortensen reported.

At that time, Parcells would be a free agent. And any team that wants his services would not owe compensation to the Dolphins, according to the report.

Among the teams sources say are on Parcells' radar are the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and the Oakland Raiders. However, if Parcells' son-in-law, New England Patriots vice president Scott Pioli, is interested in any of those jobs, Parcells is unlikely to wind up with that team, Mortensen reported.

Parcells could negotiate with Ross to extend his opt-out clause by one year. But as presently written, the clause doesn't extend after one season, according to the report.

ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen contributed to this report.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Mimo said:
Anthony Borbely said:
Deuceman said:
Great article by Dan Wetzel from Yahoo Sports on the Lions debacle.

BTW, I think after the season ends Lion brass (namely Ford, Sr.) will have a change of heart, clean house and hire someone who will have full authority.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Ane5...o&type=lgns
Click to expand...
Ford is not going to change his mind.
Click to expand...
If this happens he willhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3795922

Will Bill Parcells become a free agent -- again?

Bill Parcells' contract with the Dolphins allows him to leave the team if owner Wayne Huizenga sells his majority share.

It's a possibility, hinging on whether Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga's sale of his majority ownership of the team goes through, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

When Parcells joined the Dolphins as executive vice president of football operations last year, his deal included a onetime out clause that would allow him to walk away, with the rest of his $12 million guaranteed contract fully paid, no strings attached, if Huizenga were to sell the team.

Earlier this year, Huizenga agreed to sell 95 percent of the Dolphins to New York developer and team part-owner Stephen Ross. Huizenga hopes to close on the deal by early January to ensure that the capital gains taxes on the sale remain at 15 percent before President-elect Barack Obama takes the oath of office Jan. 20, Mortensen reported.

Parcells' contract specifically states only Huizenga can be in authority over him. Once Ross officially becomes majority owner, Parcells has to notify Ross within 30 days that he intends to exercise his walk-away clause and collect the full balance of $9 million, Mortensen reported.

At that time, Parcells would be a free agent. And any team that wants his services would not owe compensation to the Dolphins, according to the report.

Among the teams sources say are on Parcells' radar are the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and the Oakland Raiders. However, if Parcells' son-in-law, New England Patriots vice president Scott Pioli, is interested in any of those jobs, Parcells is unlikely to wind up with that team, Mortensen reported.

Parcells could negotiate with Ross to extend his opt-out clause by one year. But as presently written, the clause doesn't extend after one season, according to the report.

ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen contributed to this report.
Click to expand...
As I sit here contemplating how and whom to switch my loyalty to.... this would keep me a Lions fan.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

barackdhouse
My final rostership #s in BestBall
Replies
11
Views
371
Deamon
D
VaTerp
RB Rooms with the Most Variance in 2025- Draft Value and Expectations PPR
Replies
1
Views
1K
Hartliner
Hartliner
barackdhouse
5 Europe games coming over the next 7 weeks. Might want to pay attention.
Replies
14
Views
447
Gally
G

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 2 (members: 0, guests: 2)
Back
Top