Lions make Front Office Changes

The Detroit Lions have made a few moves in the front office. They have fired General Manager Martin Mayhew and Team President Tom Lewand. In their place on an interm basis, Sheldon White, a longtime member of the Lions front office, will take over the General Manager position and report to owner Martha Ford. Allison Maki will take over as president on an interm basis and report to Ford.

The Lions went 40-56 under Mayhew and Lewand. Lewand succeeded Matt Millen as President and Mayhew replaced Millen as GM. White has been with the team for 19 years and was a bit of a surprise pick as GM, as Brian Xanders was the favorite to replace Mayhew. “I do want to make clear that we have not given up on the season,” team owner Martha Ford said in a short statement. “I expect this team to compete. Compete, improve, and win.”

Maki was previously Senior Vice President. It is worth noting that it is a rarity to have a female owner and female team president in the NFL. She has previously been VP of Finance and Administration, where she managed the financial and human resources operations for the Lions and Ford Field. She was also in charge of treasury functions and worked closely with NFL finance staff.

For those wondering, head coach Jim Caldwell is safe, for now. It seems as if the Fords will evaluate the team in the offseason. Franchise QB Matthew Stafford’s future with the team is “very much in doubt”, according to reports.