(WXYZ) — The Detroit Lions announced today that former player and announcer Chris Spielman has joined the team as special assistant to the chairman and CEO.
In the role, Spielman will help interview the GM and head coach candidates, and report directly to President and CEO Rod Wood.
The team also announced that Barry Sanders, former MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis and Rod Graves, former senior vice president of football administration for the New York Jets, will help the team search for a GM and head coach.
“Chris Spielman has been a tremendous ambassador for the Detroit Lions since the day he first put on a uniform as a rookie in 1988," Owner Sheila Ford Hamp said in a release. "He brings great passion for people and the game of football, and we are thrilled to have him on board to help lead our team. This position is a full-time opportunity for Chris that will allow him to work across various departments on both the football and business sides of our organization.”
“This is an exciting day for the Lions organization. The Ford Family and I look forward to working with Chris and leaning on his knowledge and advice as we take the next steps as a team. His relationship with our team and our city will serve as a strong foundation for him in helping to fortify and sustain our organization’s culture," Wood added.
“I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to be involved with the franchise that is truly a part of me. The opportunity to work with Rod Wood and every single person in the Lions organization can’t get here fast enough. To Lions fans everywhere, I will do everything in my power to help Mrs. Hamp and the Ford Family achieve their vision of something we can all be proud of," Spielman said in a release.
Spielman was drafted by the Lions in the 2nd round of the 1988 draft and is the Lions' all-time leader in career tackles.
Most recently, Spielman has served as an analyst for FOX NFL games.
