In 2016, the Lions hired former New England Patriots’ director of college scouting, Bob Quinn, as general manager. Despite an impressive background with one of the premier organizations in all of sports, Quinn had to prove he was not just another overrated Bill Belichick disciple.
A year later, Quinn has the Lions in position to become the favorites in an extremely competitive NFC North division. An unexpected playoff berth after Calvin Johnson’s abrupt retirement is giving fans confidence that owner Martha Firestone Ford has found the right guy to build this team.
Now, don’t get me wrong, a 9-7 season doesn’t suddenly make the Lions a championship contender by any means.