RUMOR: Matt Millen on his way out of Detroit? (1 Viewer)

[Mimo]

Millen Rumors Are Heating up

The rumors are strong this weekend. The chatter is all over the place that Lions President Matt Millen is about to lose his job.

We checked with Millen and he said that is not true. The word is that the Lions did not want to make an announcement this weekend because it would over shadow the prep football finals being played at Ford Field. They were also working on a buy out

I cannot un-Earth this. But the rumors won't go away. They surfaced again after an embarrassing 27-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins which threw the Lions into a 2-9 tail spin that does not seem to have an end in place. Linebacker Boss Bailey came to Millen's defense after the game, basically saying the players are the ones playing the game. Yeah but who put this team in place? It was Millen who has led the worse six-year spiral in Lions history. The Lions are 23-68 since he took over.

Now check out these gruesome numbers. We wanted to blame quarterback Joey Harrington for the Lions down fall.

He was 18-37 as starting Lions quarterback which is terrible. But the Lions are 5-31 in games Harrington did not start in the Millen era. Geez. Maybe Harrington was the Most Valuable Player of the Lions. It is so obvious what the problem is with the Lions. But will the Lions do anything about it and do the right thing and fire Millen? This situation sort of reminds me of the ugly girl with a three inch in the middle of her forehead and she can't figure out why she can't get a date.

Any way we are still chasing this story. If you hear anything please let me know.

Terry.Foster@detnews.com

http://forums.detnews.com/terryfosterblog/....cfm?blogid=746

 

[RenegadeGM]

This situation sort of reminds me of the ugly girl with a three inch in the middle of her forehead and she can't figure out why she can't get a date.

sorry, couldn't help it that this stood out. A 3-inch... ???

 

[nashua55]

This situation sort of reminds me of the ugly girl with a three inch in the middle of her forehead and she can't figure out why she can't get a date.

sorry, couldn't help it that this stood out. A 3-inch... ???

i thought the same thing, my guess is boil.

 

[Banger]

long overdue...

 

[Team Smokin']

long overdue...

BIG TIME

 

[Monty Burns]

And to overstate the obvious..... I'm sure it does not help his cause when when one of the Lions foils for their problems the last few years humbles them on a nationally televised game on Thanksgiving while now playing for another team, and playing pretty well up to that point at that....

Edit to add: and in front of the home folks as well....

 

[bueno]

They've fired the coach and replaced the QB - who else is left to blame?

 

[Slinger]

Well considering that half of the people who frequent the Shark Pool could've done a better job at GM, this is highly a no-brainer.

 

[bueno]

Well considering that half of the people who frequent the Shark Pool could've done a better job at GM, this is highly a no-brainer.

Hell, half the people in the FFA could have done a better job...

 

[hutchins929]

I hope the rumors are true... My only question is what Fox football anouncer will replace him? Year after year there is a little hope in my gut for these guys, but it never fails... They SUCK!!!

Signed,

A Lions Fan

 

[djcolts]

I would think 3 straight Thanksgiving day blowouts would be a wake-up call. I can't see how the NFL would like that at all.

 

[Gr00vus]

Looks like Barry made the right call....

2-9 wow that's bad.

 

[lions327]

PLEASE let this happen.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Jimmy Johnson to be the new GM.

 

[wannabee]

Jimmy Johnson to be the new GM.

would his first move be to call the Vikings and see what they would pay for Kevin Jones?

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Jimmy Johnson to be the new GM.

would his first move be to call the Vikings and see what they would pay for Kevin Jones?

 

[beto]

Props to the Tigers for hiring a professional GM to turn things around.

Fords should admit to not knowing what they don't know and give the keys to someone with a proven track record.

 

[realamerican85]

Well considering that half of the people who frequent the Shark Pool could've done a better job at GM, this is highly a no-brainer.

Hell, half the people in the FFA could have done a better job...

Now thats just a dowright crule thing to say about Millen's ability.

 

[delusional]

ABout time this guy becomes the fall guy for the org rather then Harrington.

 

[MLBrandow]

He was 18-37 as starting Lions quarterback which is terrible. But the Lions are 5-31 in games Harrington did not start in the Millen era. Geez

Honestly, I'm very impressed with this stat. It helps explain why Harrington is starting to look like a decent QB now with the change of scenery.

 

[lions327]

Well considering that half of the people who frequent the Shark Pool could've done a better job at GM, this is highly a no-brainer.

Hell, half the people in the FFA could have done a better job...

Now thats just a dowright crule thing to say about Millen's ability.

The cruel thing is that it's true.

 

[Da Guru]

I would tithe 10% of my salary to the Lions if they would fire Millen!

 

[MSULions]

Jimmy Johnson to be the new GM.

what? says who?

 

[delusional]

He was 18-37 as starting Lions quarterback which is terrible. But the Lions are 5-31 in games Harrington did not start in the Millen era. Geez

Honestly, I'm very impressed with this stat. It helps explain why Harrington is starting to look like a decent QB now with the change of scenery.

Yep you got to figure the years he was there. Who was healthy? Jones was hurt majority of the time. They had no run game before that. WRs were ALWAYs hurt when he was QB. D sucked and O line still sucked. <--Joey supporterps and you had mooch of all people calling the plays.

 

[Biabreakable]

I don't know what the Fords have been waiting for all this time anyways. For the federal goverment to offer a solution?

 

[lions327]

He was 18-37 as starting Lions quarterback which is terrible. But the Lions are 5-31 in games Harrington did not start in the Millen era. Geez

Honestly, I'm very impressed with this stat. It helps explain why Harrington is starting to look like a decent QB now with the change of scenery.

Comparing the records with and without Harrington speaks more of how terrible the other QB's were than how good Harrington may be. Mike McMahon? Jeff Garcia? Nuff said.

 

[Team Smokin']

Being a Michigan guy my whole life and yes a Lions fan.....ouch. No wonder Barry wanted out.

We here think that one, why did they (The Fords) extend Millens contract when they were terrible a couple years ago? First it must be Mooch's fault.....he's the first fall guy....(like Rumme is to Bush), next it's Joey who is to blame. Well, the buck stops here.

It is the Ford's unexcusable decision to extend his contract and they hate to not get their money's worth. Paying for someone not being there is hard for them to swallow.....however, they must.

Last I knew Millen doesn't even live in the state of Michigan. Imagine what Bo Schembechler would think of that.

He's gotta go. And yes, bring in a professional like Dombrowski is to the Tigers.

Wake up FORD's your automobiles and other systems, like benefit packages are simple not working........well let's just leave it at that.

 

[Mootej]

Yes Millen has to go.

Agree, how much can also be blamed on the Ford's?

Since 1964 when W.C. Ford purchased the Lions, 272 wins, 361 losses, 13 ties and 9 visits to the playoff. And of those 9 visits to the playoff, one playoff game win. In 42 years. Ouch!!

This goes way beyond Millen, but let's start there.

 

[Gargoylez]

I Like Millen. I like that he is there.

Because when I play Madden, I have a team I can take over and realistically rebuild them. Firing Millen is like... UHHH DUHHH.

So I hope he stays there so my Madden experience can continue to be stellar...

I migrated from 360 (worst Madden in history) to the Computer. Good stuff.

 

[itriple]

I hope Detoit keeps Milllen forever.

-Packer Fan

 

[jabarony]

I hope the rumors are true... My only question is what Fox football anouncer will replace him? Year after year there is a little hope in my gut for these guys, but it never fails... They SUCK!!!Signed,A Lions Fan

Don't you mean "what SUB-PAR Madden-wanna-be Fox football announcer"?

 

[RenegadeGM]

To anyone reading this thread:

"Where are your ####???"



edit to add: the language filter is funny... it took a longer word close to "recepticles" and shrunk it to four letters, then blocked it. Those who know the Millen story know what I mean.

 

[Team Smokin']

What I would really hope for for Christmas are new owners of the LIONS.

 

[Slinger]

He was 18-37 as starting Lions quarterback which is terrible. But the Lions are 5-31 in games Harrington did not start in the Millen era. Geez

Honestly, I'm very impressed with this stat. It helps explain why Harrington is starting to look like a decent QB now with the change of scenery.

Comparing the records with and without Harrington speaks more of how terrible the other QB's were than how good Harrington may be. Mike McMahon? Jeff Garcia? Nuff said.

He's putting up stats for the Dolphins. It was the Lions, not Joey.

 

[Tornacl]

So soon? Aren't they even going to give the guy a chance?

Yes, this is sarcasm. He should've been fired for not firing Moronwhig immediately (as in during the game)for getting the coin toss wrong in OT against the bears.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Ford Motor Co. is run with no accountability. It should not be a surprise that the Lions are run the same way.

 

[Captain Blowhard]

I hope Detoit keeps Milllen forever. -Packer Fan

The scary part for you is that even with Millen the Lions are only 1 game WORSE than the packers over the past two seasons. It's going to take a lot more than hope for Packer fans, pal.

 

[lions327]

He was 18-37 as starting Lions quarterback which is terrible. But the Lions are 5-31 in games Harrington did not start in the Millen era. Geez

Honestly, I'm very impressed with this stat. It helps explain why Harrington is starting to look like a decent QB now with the change of scenery.

Comparing the records with and without Harrington speaks more of how terrible the other QB's were than how good Harrington may be. Mike McMahon? Jeff Garcia? Nuff said.

He's putting up stats for the Dolphins. It was the Lions, not Joey.

He is? Before playing the Lions he had 7 TD's and 10 interceptions, and a low QB rating....seems like the same old thing to me.

 

[Sister Havana]

Nooooo! Please let this be false! I want Matt Millen there for a nice long time!

-A Bears fan

 

[hutchins929]

Hire Barry as the GM!!! joking... but hell, it worked for the Pistons with Joe Dumars.

 

[hutchins929]

Just saw this in the Detroit News... "Some folks want to walk out with four minutes remaining in the second quarter of the last game of the season. Some want another march. Others have made up T-shirts that say “Sack Millen” that are likely to start showing up at Ford Field." Wouldn't it be something to see the entire stadium empty out before halftime!!! I doubt it will happen but if it does it will force Ford's hand. He wont have a choice!

Link

 

[Al Czervik]

Source

Sunday, November 26, 2006

As of noon on Sunday, Millen's not going anywhere

Despite persistent rumors that Lions president Matt Millen was on the verge of being fired, nothing has happened. According to sources, Lions owner William Clay Ford has given no indication that a change is imminent. Ford is spending the holiday weekend at his Florida home.

Those sources also say that the situation could change at any moment but, so far, nothing has happened. And there is no settlement package being worked out. All of the rumors about Millen's firing are, at this point, just guesswork.

----------------------------------------

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Millen's job safe -- for now

As of late Friday night, Matt Millen's job as Detroit Lions president was safe. But it could just be a matter of time.

There is definitely a feeling around Allen Park that Millen's days are numbered, but nothing has happened yet. It's believed, like most families, that the Fords ate Thanksgiving dinner together and there was likely some conversation between William Clay Ford, who has always supported Millen, and Bill Ford Jr., who wants Millen fired immediately.

This is -- and always has been -- Ford Sr.'s call and there's no telling if he's going to make a move this weekend or after the season or whether he'll make any change at all.

Some "media'' outlets are jumping the gun and saying a decision has been reached. It has not. There is a lot of guessing going on but, at this point, that's all it is -- guessing.

 

[deep vacuum]

It could just be a smoke screen on that well deserved contract extension.

 

[hutchins929]

It could just be a smoke screen on that well deserved contract extension.

I love the

 

[MSULions]

Lions beat guy Rob Parker reported on Channel 4 in Detroit tonight that Millen is indeed gone - claims his insiders have told him that Ford Jr. finally convinced the old man to give him the axe. Take that for whatever it's worth....Parker is right more often than not.

 

[hector31]

Shocking that a man with no front office experience whatsoever did a poor job running a team. Why the Fords picked Millen in the first place I've never been able to reconcile.

 

[Al Czervik]

John Czarnecki/FOXSports.com

Without a doubt, President and CEO Matt Millen won't be in charge of the Detroit Lions next season. The dilemma for owner William Clay Ford, who likes Millen almost like a son, is that he can't afford to lose his city's loyal fan base.

Detroit fans, who have been supportive of this franchise through some very lean seasons, want Millen gone. They want a different face to dislike. There is no question that they blame him for the 23-68 record and for hiring Marty Mornhinweg and then Steve Mariucci and now the shocking 2-9 season with tough-guy Rod Marinelli.

After being surprised by Mariucci's lax practices, Millen believed he had to find a tough guy, a disciplinarian, to get the Lions in line. Marinelli fit the bill, but the won-lost record hasn't improved.

The final straw was probably losing at home on Thursday to Joey Harrington and the Miami Dolphins. The Lions gave up on Harrington, who was 18-37 as a starter in Detroit. Then, on Thursday, the public address announcer in Ford Field attempted to embarrass the Dolphins by introducing Harrington to the Ford Field crowd knowing what the response would be. You got it, a chorus of boos.

Nothing has been done yet with Millen. Ford apparently is in Florida and Millen is at home in Pennsylvania with his family during this Thanksgiving weekend.

But the mixture of Marinelli and offensive coordinator Mike Martz definitely hasn't clicked this season and those two were Millen's choices.

Philadelphia GM Tom Heckert, a Michigan native, is the hot candidate to replace Millen. Heckert doesn't have control of personnel with the Eagles, although he does work extremely well with coach Andy Reid. The Ford's would give Heckert a salary raise, too, but does he really want the challenge of rebuilding the worst team in the NFL?

 

[Bob Henry]

I went to HS with Tom Heckert. He was our QB and one year ahead of me. He went to Hillsdale College and played there with Brian Boyse, who was the QB at Hillsdale. Boyse is now a scout for the Eagles, working for Heckert.

Heckert's dad was coach at Adrian College and later worked his way into the NFL ranks as a scout with the Browns and Dolphins. He got Tom, Jr. a job scouting with the Dolphins where he ascended up the organization before he left and joined the Eagles.

He has an excellent track record and I only hope if he does return to Michigan that the Lions don't ruin him, too. I don't think it would go the other way around, but it is the Lions we're talking about.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Don't forget, though, that there is pressure from the fans and media in Philly for Reid to give up his non-coaching duties. If that happens, Heckert would get full control over personnel -- which would probably be enough of a reason for him to turn down the trainwreck that is Detroit.