Lions hire Chris Spielman as Special Assistant to SFH and RW

[D6]

Chris Spielman hired full time by Lions, Barry Sanders comes aboard as advisor to search

Lions hire Chris Spielman as special assistant to Sheila Ford Hamp, Rod Wood

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This thread relates to the following thread:

Lions fire GM Bob Quinn and HC Matt Patricia

detroit-lions-forum.proboards.com/thread/826/lions-fire-quinn-matt-patricia


Terrific news! Both from the standpoint that Sheila Ford Hamp hired someone with immense football and NFL knowledge. But also someone who has passion for the Lions, with keen awareness of Lions history over the last several decades. Chris Spielman is an excellent choice as a full time Special Advisor to Sheila Ford Hamp and Rod Wood.

I'm now confident that the Lions GM search is in good hands. In addition, I now believe the Lions are no longer at a competitive disadvantage in attracting GM and HC candidates that other teams value.

[frenchylions]

Yes, nice additions to the scouting team.
It's also a nice finesse from Sheila Ford to legitimate her choice ... who could reasonably contest the choice of the new GM (and HC) if knighted by Spielman and Sanders ?

[D6]

Sheila Ford Hamp demonstrated that her words in press conferences weren't just talk. She walked the walk, first by firing Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia when it was evident the Lions weren't going to be a serious playoff contender come December. With the future not looking bright under them. Then 17 days later, she hired Chris Spielman as a full time key member of the Lions organization.

Including Barry Sanders in the Lions GM and HC search process is at the very least a good decision from an public relations standpoint.

What also got my attention is SFH hiring Rod Graves as part of the process. Graves was the Arizona Cardinals GM for over a decade. During that time, the Cardinals reached the Super Bowl in the 2008 season. Before that season, the Cardinals only won 1 playoff game since the Chicago Cardinals won the NFL Championship in 1947!

[D6]

Chris Spielman, Sheila Ford Hamp taking active approach to forging Detroit Lions' rebuild

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Chris Spielman made two comments in particular that caught my attention:

1. Chris Spielman's theory on roster building is the opposite of Matt Patricia's theory on roster building. Spielman now believes you build from the outside in. Patricia believes you build from the inside out. A greater emphasis on edge rush speed & quickness and more speed & athletic movement skills at LB likely will be a greater priority under the new regime than with Bob Quinn & Matt Patricia.

2. The praise Spielman gave CBs Jeff Okudah & Amani Oruwariye. Spielman is likely of the opinion that both CBs will benefit greatly from the Lions new Defensive Coaches.