The Detroit Lions have found their next general manager, as team president Rod Wood has confirmed that the team has agreed in principal to a deal with New England Patriots director of pro scouting Bob Quinn, according to Lions reporter Tim Twentyman.
The Lions decided to rebuild their front office midseason after taking a crushing defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs, firing both general manager Martin Mayhew and president Tom Lewand. Head coach Jim Caldwell's future in Detroit remains uncertain, but after the front office moves the team went 6-2 down the stretch, including divisional wins over the Packers and Bears.
The Lions clearly have talent on their roster, but could lose a huge piece this offseason, as star wide receiver Calvin Johnson is reportedly seriously contemplating retirement. The Patriots have continually found strong players around the league and through the draft, and Quinn has been with the Patriots since the beginning of their success, joining in 2000 - the same year as head coach Bill Belichick.
Quinn's first responsibility will be to decide Caldwell's future with the team, and it's not an easy decision as he has led them to one of their only two playoff appearances in the past 16 seasons but has only posted a record of 18-14. Quinn will have plenty of decisions to make in the next several months regarding top talent on their roster, and acquiring talented playmakers for this team through the 2016 NFL Draft.
