After a disappointing 2015 season, filled their vacant general manager position with the former director of scouting for the New England Patriots, Bob Quinn.
Starting his tenure as a front office personnel with the New England Patriots in 2000, Bob Quinn was apart of the dynasty that has dominated the 21st century. Four Super Bowl wins with six appearances have made the Patriots the envy of the professional football spectrum.
Related Story: Who are the greatest draft picks in NFL history?
Starting in the year 2000, Quinn was able to see how the Patriots operated after hiring Bill Belichick who carries a 187-69 record in his 16 years as head coach. Quinn started with the Patriots as a player personnel assistant, and held positions through the scouting department of the team, as a pro, regional, and national scout before taking over as the director.
He was asked about his tenure in New England in his opening press conference.
"“That’s a great question. It’s about consistency and it’s about the process. Things in New England when I started there 16 years ago didn’t happen overnight. It’s a step-by-step, day-by-day, month-by-month process. One of many things I learned in New England was that we’re always striving to get better. Whether it’s scouting, whether it’s coaching, whether it’s in the weight room, nutrition, analytics, if we can get one step better every day, that’s putting this organization in the right direction.”"
That step-by-step process is what was able to keep him advancing through one of the most successful franchise in professional sports currently, and which has now brought him to Detroit as the team’s general manager.
He’s faced with a difficult task, and has already walked into a tough situation. With the team losing an offensive coordinator and general manager, Quinn has the tough task of analyzing what direction this team needs to head moving forward.
He started with retaining Jim Caldwell as the team head coach who has carried a 18- 14 record during his two year tenure, and has enjoyed previous successes, such as an appearance to the Super Bowl as a head coach and offensive coordinator.
Quinn had high remarks for Caldwell, after making the decision, and has instilled a belief that he deserves another chance under a stable front office foundation.
"“Not only did he lead the Lions to the playoffs his first season here, but when you look at how the players responded the second half of last season, under difficult circumstances, it’s clear to me that this team believes in him and responds positively to his leadership,” Quinn said after his decision."
Now Quinn faced the difficult task of directing the Lions through through free agency and the NFL Draft, while also carrying the weight of the future Calvin Johnson situation.
Quinn’s up-tempo attitude and previous success within a championship organization should have Lions’ fans believing this team will ready to right the ship. His scouting credentials are highly intriguing, and something that should be fully invested in during his first NFL Draft this off season.
The Patriots’ organization also had a way in free agency that was unique and respected. Although New England has the luxury of being a more viable destination, the same principle applies in signing the right free agents for the right price, which the Lions have struggled with throughout the past 16 years.
More nfl spin zone: Going through the best first-round picks in NFL history
The Detroit Lions are left with many questions heading into the month of February, but one thing that should have fans in a buzz, is the hiring of Quinn who has begun to make front office personnel moves within the organization.