Lions seeking more than GM and head coach, also an identity

Strong leadership creates strong identities

I heard a discussion the other day on the radio talking about what the dream hire would be for the Detroit Lions general manager. This opened up the conversation to names like former Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome and former Buccaneers and Colts head coach Tony Dungy.

Newsome may have stepped down, but he is still a consultant for the Ravens. Meanwhile, Dungy has a very relaxed job as an analyst for ESPN. Neither are likely candidates to leave their current position for any NFL opening, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.

And asking is where the real value of pursuing them would be. Let’s be honest, Ozzie Newsome built the Baltimore Ravens. It was his touch that constructed a tough hard-nosed franchise that has won a couple of Super Bowls and been perennial contenders.

Now Tony Dungy didn’t construct his Buccaneer or Colts teams, but he brought leadership, direction, and a winning culture to both franchises when they were mired in mediocrity. Plus Dungy is a native of Jackson, Michigan, and understands exactly what the history of the Lions is and how it needs to change.

Most likely neither would be interested in the job, but when they turn Sheila Ford Hamp down, that is the perfect time to ask, ‘who would you hire?’

Going to individuals who have the leadership abilities the Lions are seeking and getting their honest advice may end up being the best recommendations Sheila will get.

Ultimately, the only way the Detroit Lions will turn this current mess around is by finding strong leadership that is capable of finding play-makers, the right head coach, and building a winning culture from the ground up.

It’s that type of strong direction that creates a team’s identity. Wishy-washy leadership that doesn’t draft well and is incapable of getting players to perform at their abilities or above only breeds losing as its identity.

Bob Quinn hand-picked Matt Patricia and Patricia’s winning percentage is the fourth-worst in Lions history. To put that in perspective, we’re talking about a franchise that has done nothing but lose since its last title in 1957.

This change had to occur and now for the sake of the Detroit Lions’ franchise, Sheila Ford Hamp needs to go to the right sources to get the right advice to make the most pivotal hiring of her short career as the majordomo of these Motor City cats. Because Sheila should aspire for the Lions identity to be more than the team ‘that really sucks on defense’.