Detroit Lions Weblog

Mike Martz O-Coordinator? Lions Tab Beightol and Brown for Vacant Coaching Positions

Reportedly, the Lions and Mike Martz are discussing the possibility that he become the team’s offensive coordinator. Martz, an offensive guru, was the mercurial Rams Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator for “The Greatest Show on Turf” teams. I don’t question Martz’s abilities, but last season he was plagued with health issues and I wonder if he could mold players like Kevin Jones, Roy and Mike Williams to fit his system. I also believe that a Martz hiring would be the end of Joey Harrington in Detroit. Martz’s passing schemes leave the QB vulnerable to pressure since there are so many receivers in passing routes. Anybody who has seen even 5 minutes of the Lions in the last few years knows that Harrington wilts under pressure. Speaking of which, how exactly would the Lion’s offensive line become capable enough to run such an agressive offensive scheme? Factor in possibly losing Jeff Backus to free agency, I am unsure that Martz’s system would have the necessary players currently in place to be effective. I am also very concerned on how Kevin Jones would fit into a Martz offense. Not known for his blocking or pass-catching skills, Jones would also be likely to see the number of carries he gets remain criminally low. I think that the selection of Martz would be attention- grabbing, but not necessarily prudent.

The Lions recently added former Packer’s Offensive Line Coach Larry Beightol and former Texan’s Wide Receiver’s Coach Kippy Brown. This after announcing the hiring of Defensive Coordinator Donnie Henderson and the decision to retain the services of Special Teams Coordinator Chuck Priefer, Quality Control/Assistant Special Teams Coach Stan Kwan, Linebackers Coach Phil Snow and assistants Don Clemons and Adam Gase. Priefer, is a proven special teams coach even if the special teams underperformed last season.