It was only about three years overdue, but the Detroit Lions have finally parted ways with possibly the worst GM in the history of the NFL, Matt Millen.
Under Millen’s tenure the Lions are 31-84, the worst record in the league during the time period, and have gone through three head coaches, and made some of the most questionable draft picks in memory.
Millen’s draft busts include Joey Harrington, Charles Rogers and Mike Williams. What was even more dumbfounding was Millen’s love for the wide receiver position. Millen chose a wide receiver in the first round four times during his seven-season tenure in Detroit – Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, Mike Williams and Calvin Johnson. Not to say that those guys didn’t have talent, but your 31-84 record might suggest that perhaps its time to think about addressing another area of the team, hey Matt?
Despite the comedy of errors over the past seven seasons, some part of the Lions’ failures has to be put on the club’s ownership. As stupifying as some of the moves Millen made during his tenure were, it was equally stupifying when Detroit announced Millen would be their new GM in 2001.
At the time, Millen’s experience consisted of a 12-year career as a linebacker, most notably for the San Francisco 49ers, and stints as a color commentator at CBS and Fox. Why, that’s just the kind of meddle and know how that you need to manage a professional football team…
Over the last few years, Detroit fans have been calling for Millen’s head, even going so far as to plan events like an in-game walkout protest and the Millen Man March. Still, ownership did nothing about such a glaring problem until today.
Sad.
I have to say, Detroit, I feel for you, but I don’t envy you.
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Damn. Now the Lions might be good again some day.