The NFL season has come and gone for the Detroit Lions, leaving their fans with nothing but playoff football to fill the void of not seeing their favorite team play on Sunday. Regardless of how boring the offseason might seem, the Lions have been rather busy in the past week.
Lions Hire New General Manager
The Lions begun their offseason by hiring former Patriots Director of Pro Scouting Bob Quinn as their General Manager.
Detroit Lions to hire Bob Quinn as new GM https://t.co/WRHbOQoA2G
— SideLion Report (@SideLionReport) January 8, 2016
While most fans remain skeptical on the decision to hire Quinn, the Lions decided to shake things up a bit by bringing in an outside candidate, as opposed to promoting within, which is what the organization has been known to do in the past. Quinn brings a winning mentality to this team and it’s going to be interesting to see what he plans to do this offseason.
Calvin Johnson’s Future
This past week, Calvin Johnson announced that he was considering retirement.
Calvin Johnson is contemplating retirement. From earlier: https://t.co/AGhYYATnry
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 6, 2016
It’s crazy to imagine this team without Megatron. Sure, Calvin didn’t have one of his ridiculous statistical seasons like he’s had in the past, but even at 30 years old, he is still one of the best in league at his position. It seemed as though Calvin would be a Lion forever, but injuries have taken their toll on the star wide receiver and it could cause him to call it quits early. Calvin Johnson released the following statement:
“Like many players at this stage of their career, I am currently evaluating options for my future. I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future.”
Whether or not Calvin decides to retire remains to seen, but it would be smart for the Lions to find his replacement sooner rather than later.
Ziggy Ansah Named 2nd Team All-Pro
Ziggy Ansah’s play is finally getting recognized as he was named to the All-Pro 2nd team this season.
Lions’ Ziggy Ansah makes All-Pro second team https://t.co/p0dHnzJyRQ via @freep
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) January 8, 2016
Ansah had the best seasons of his career, racking up 14.5 sacks while also getting voted to the Pro-Bowl. Ziggy seems to be the only consistent defensive lineman Detroit has; it would be wise to get him signed to a long-term contract this offseason.
The Lions are finally getting the production out of Ansah that they were hoping for when they drafted him 5th overall; he finished 3rd in the league in sacks this season behind only J.J. Watt and Khalil Mack.
Caldwell is Staying
The Lions made the decision to retain Jim Caldwell as head coach.
#BREAKING: Detroit @Lions keeping Jim Caldwell as coach https://t.co/49bi2gWAqc pic.twitter.com/7IJB7a41vq
— Detroit Free Press (@freep) January 15, 2016
The decision on whether or not to keep Caldwell was ultimately up to Bob Quinn. It looked as though Caldwell would be out after a disappointing start to the season, but the Lions finished the strong, winning 6 of their last 8 games.
Caldwell has the best winning percentage of any coach in franchise history; he’s led the Lions to a record of 18-14 in his first two seasons. He has the support of his players, as well as support from the fans.
So excited to see Coach Caldwell will return to coach this team. In such little time he's taught me so much. Truly a remarkable man. #WROH
— Ameer Abdullah (@Ameerguapo) January 15, 2016
There is no better man to lead us where we want to go. #OnePride
— Travis Swanson, CFP® (@Tswan64) January 15, 2016
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