Lions Add S (Braun) Schweigert, Pioli For Next GM?
November 19, 2008 on 5:07 pm | In Uncategorized |The Lions added S Stuart Schweigert, who had a promising beginning to his career in Oakland, but has experienced an Archuleta-like fall from grace and become more of a journeymen.
Given that Schweigert is a Michigander (Saginaw), and is desperate for work, maybe the Lions could get lucky and find a productive player who could eventually carve out a more substantial, long-term role. With all of the “success” that the team’s current secondary has enjoyed, he may have a difficult time getting onto the field, though.
SI.com’s Don Banks has suggested the Lions ownership should resist their urge to retain Tom Lewand, who would likely retain Martin Mayhew or add Philly’s Tom Heckert to the organization as the team’s chief personnel executive.
Banks, like so many others, believes that the Lions should strike while the iron’s hot and add the Pats Scott Pioli, who would like the challenge of putting his stamp on the organization. It would allow Pioli to move from under the suffocating shadows of both his father-in-law, Bill Parcells, and also from under “Little Bill”, Bill Belichick, too.
Given the success of ex-Pats Asst. GM Thomas Dimitroff in Atlanta, and Pioli’s already impressive winning pedigree, maybe the Ford’s will come to their senses and open their pocketbooks to acquire Pioli’s services.
At this point, it is likely clear to everyone, but the Ford’s, that the status quo will not get the job done, no matter how much promise Mayhew has shown during his limited time in charge.
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This is the most scary pospect going forward in my opinion. I think Leward and everyone else have to go, no doubt. It’s letting the Fords hire the next GM that scares me. They have no idea what they are doing. “people” name Pioli as a guy they should go after but is he the guy? Was it the New England coaching system that made him? I for sure don’t have the answer, but letting the media pick your next GM is like letting Mel Kiper do your draft for you (which I am convinced is what they have done). It would be great if Old man Ford would ask the Rooneys to help him conduct their search.
Comment by Mike — November 20, 2008 #
Mike–You make great contributions which often bear repeating. You just did all the repeating for us–just kidding–watch, mine will get multiplied. Anyway, I agree that this whole thing is scary. The decision of who to hire may be the most critical decision this franchise makes. If a team cannot broadcast its games over the television, how do they expect the populace to maintain an interest? If I don’t have to work on Sunday, I surely will go down to the game (and purchase a ticket outside at a discount rate)if only to be able to see the Lions. I am an unfortunate sucker who always be interested. I can only imagine that the patience of the populace is wearing thin. Wait, I don’t have to imagine it, I listen to enough sports talk (way too much) to get the picture. People are getting sick of it. Fortunately we Michiganders are a hearty bunch (and a bandwagonny bunch) so it won’t take much for interest to rekindle. There are also a lot of people who still maintain their interest. The Lions better make the wise choice as to who their next GM will be. The word “proven” must be on his (or her) resume. Condi Rice anyone???? No, this is not an endorsement of Dr. Rice for the job (although she is in many ways an admirable lady), just an observation that she may be interested and the Lions don’t always make the most orthodox choices.
Comment by Yukon Dan — November 20, 2008 #
I have no doubt that Condi knows how to build a fire under over rated or under performing coaches and players. She also probably has the smarts to seek out the “right” person to run the draft and make personnel decisions, without giving worry to the fact that she doesn’t know football. You might be on to something here….
Comment by Mike — November 21, 2008 #
Condi Rice would be more likely to be NFL commissioner, or the head of the NFLPA (union) than helm a team. She is a noted fan of the game whom has never hidden her interest in being involved at some level, though.
Turning around the Lions will be akin to being a high-ranking member of the Bush cabinet. They both are sinking ships that demand someone being capable of working miracles in order to alter their overwhelming courses.
Nothing will surprise me with the Ford’s, especially if Turkey Day is blacked-out.
Comment by Steve — November 23, 2008 #
“Nothing will surprise me with the Ford’s, especially if Turkey Day is blacked-out.”
God forbid.
Comment by Mike — November 23, 2008 #