The Men & Women Behind The Curtain Of The Detroit Lions

Build It & They Will Come

Since 2020, the Detroit Lions have taken on a new identity, injected a new vision and began a complete transformation.  One that is still evolving as each season passes. The recent success of the Lions organization cannot be measured by wins and losses alone.  A successful football organization has wins on the field as much as they do off the field.  The team behind the team is just as important as the one playing on Sundays.

To support the new vision, the Lions organization dug deep.  Beginning with a systematic approach to tear everything down to the studs and rebuild from the ground up. This was not just about the element on the field this time, it was everybody, every position and involved a massive undertaking that the Lions have seemingly pulled off about one year sooner than expected.

This involved elevating every aspect of football operations, communicating with and evaluating each employee, contractor & consultant.  Upgrading the talent on the field by establishing a new character identity that fits the team dynamic.  They even evaluated the fans’ experience at Ford Field, making a priority to upgrade the stadium environment, all the way down to the concessions.  This was all done to transition the way football is done in Allen Park, for the city of Detroit and the fans. 

Let me introduce to you some of the most amazing men and women behind the curtain of the Detroit Lions transformation.

Principal Owner & Chair | Sheila Ford Hamp

To say the words, it starts at the top, has often been over played when any company or franchise wishes to succeed in anything they set out to accomplish. In this case, those words couldn’t be more of a factual and an accurate statement.

On June 23, 2020, Sheila Ford Hamp succeeded her mother, Martha Firestone Ford, as Principal Owner and Chair of the Detroit Lions. From 2014-19, Mrs. Hamp served as one of the team’s vice chairs during her mother’s ownership. Shortly after taking control of the franchise, Mrs. Hamp had this to say…

“My mother has inspired all of us since taking on leadership of the Lions over six years ago,” said Ford Hamp. “She has been a tireless leader to our family, our team and our community.” “Her smart decisions have given me a solid foundation to take the team forward.”

Now under Sheila Hamp’s leadership, the Lions have evolved tremendously.  She brought a breath of fresh air to the team and has revived a once broken system in Allen Park, to a thriving and competitor environment. This was no easy task and to do it right, she knew she would need help, leadership an direction to take her plans, fiery competitive spirit and ideas to the top in the NFL.

Vice President & GM | Rod Wood

As Detroit Lions Team President and CEO, Rod Wood oversees all football and business operations of the Lions organization and reports directly to Principal Owner and Chairman Sheila Ford Hamp. Wood was originally appointed to the team on Nov. 19, 2015.  As the former president & CEO of Ford Estates, Wood had familiarity with the Ford family businesses.  Rod Wood’s masterful success in the business and global banking world made his hiring a very easy decision for the Lions organization.

Executive VP & GM | Brad Holmes

Holmes joined the Lions on January 14th, 2021, after spending the previous 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams (2003-2020).  The nephew of former Lions’ first-round pick Luther Bradley, Holmes started as a public relations intern in 2003, then elevated to the Director of College Scouting by 2013.  For the next 8 seasons Holmes ran the entire draft process leading up to the Rams Super Bowl season.  Holmes experience has provided him with an expert level education as a talent evaluator.  This is one of many skills & qualities he possesses, and why the Lions are finally headed in the right direction. 

Holmes success in Detroit has been immediate.  His clear direction and leadership have taken this team to new heights in a matter of 2 seasons.  The Lions are once again an exciting team that has invigorated the fan base to come alive.

Chris Spielman | Special Assistant To Rod Wood – Chairperson

Chris Spielman re-joined the Lions in a front office role as Special Assistant to President/CEO and Chairperson in 2021. He played an integral role in the hiring of Executive Vice President & General Manager Brad Holmes, Head Coach Dan Campbell and reports directly to President and CEO Rod Wood.

For many years there has been a disconnect within the franchise as it relates to the business and football sides of the operation. When Sheila Hamp took the reins her 1st order was to do away with divisions and build a front office that thrived on collaboration and communication. Spielman was a fan favorite for many seasons as a Lion linebacker.  His hard hitting, tenacious and gritty attitude was feared on the turf. 

Little did anyone know about his brilliant business & leadership aptitude that was a perfect fit for the culture change coming to Allen Park.  Spielman was an integral piece in finding Brad Holmes and the hiring of Dan Campbell. 

Chief Operating Officer | Mike Disner

Joining the Lions in 2019, Disner brought an extensive knowledge of player contract negotiations, salary cap regulations and NFLPA compliance.  During the 2021 offseason, Disner worked alongside Sheila Hamp, Rod Wood, and Chris Spielman to reshape the culture and leadership of the Lions football operation. The group led a broad search that resulted in the hiring of Lions Executive Vice President and General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell.

Barry Sanders | Brand Ambassador

Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004. After an illustrious 10 seasons in the NFL, that included 15,269 yards which are the most in Lions franchise history and third all-time behind Gold Jackets Emmitt Smith (2010) and Walter Payton (1993).

After two decades from his abrupt departure and retirement from football. The legendary running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders has returned to the Motor City as the new “Brand Ambassador” for the Lions, since 2018. It was not always easy for Sanders after he left the team, often times fans were not as kind immediately after he retired holding on to a grudge. Those days are now long gone as Barry is beloved by the fans, welcomed with standing ovations and lots of cheers inside of Ford Field. The hall of famer is beloved by the Detroit Lions organization, who has plans to erect a statue of Barry Sanders in 2024.

Barry may not be in an official football role or front office role for the team, but his being in the building and the front man for the Detroit Lions is just as valuable. His role is more defined as marketing for the Detroit Lions, where he is included and attends a lot of fan driven events, alumni games, community outreach events, suite appearances, the Taste of the Lions event and travels with the team often. Sanders is the unofficial official spokesperson for the Lions organization.

“It’s definitely nice to be back after the first few years of being retired and there not being much communication,” Sanders said in an interview with The Associated Press. “So, certainly just being able to be involved with certain things that the team is doing from a community outreach standpoint and that sort of thing, for me, it’s great.” “Just being able to be around the game a little more and certainly around the Lions family a little more for me is meaningful so I do appreciate that.”

Dan Campbell | Head Coach

On Jan. 20, 2021, the Detroit Lions named Dan Campbell the franchise’s new head coach.

Campbell came to Detroit with 23 years of NFL experience, including 12 years as a coach and 11 as a player. In his first year as the Lions’ head coach, Campbell helped instill a new culture built on grit, conviction, and collaboration on and off the field. Upon arrival, Campbell assembled a proven coaching staff that included several former NFL players that brought a wealth of knowledge and passion to Detroit’s roster.

Campbell has given the fan base a new vision, one of hope and promise.  His one liner on media days have injected an enthusiasm missing from this organization for decades.  His ability to turn one of the oldest and most financially depleted teams into a competitor with one of the youngest rosters is nothing short of incredible. My favorite quote of Dan’s happened at the end of Hard Knocks in 2022, and he pulled it off in fitting fashion.

“The 2022 Detroit Lions will be the team that can and will.” — Dan Campbell

In conclusion, there are many more members of this organization not listed, who are just as important to the success and future of this team.  To fit all these pieces together is not an easy task.  To develop symmetry and cohesion with a unified direction often never comes to fruition for an organization.  The Lions have found a way to break the chains that have held them back for decades, by assembling a group of professionals with the same mission. 

The Lions ownership, front office and coaches have had an amazing impact on the city, fan base and the organization.  An impact that is turning into one of the hottest teams in the NFL.