The futility that has been virtually synonymous with the Detroit Lions for most of their existence has taken a new turn that fans have been begging for.  Their last 5 appearances in the playoffs, ranging from ’93-’99, had them being booted in the first round each time.  The insertion of Matt Millen as the President and GM for the team in 2001 was supposed to change their losing ways, maybe get some new juices flowing in a struggling franchise.  He instead went on to be a part of the reason the team has forgotten the playoffs exist with a 31-81 record since his tenure began. 

With angry fans calling for the dismissal of Millen for a few years now, owner William Clay Ford, Sr. finally pulled the string and yanked him out of the front office early Wednesday.  The buildup must have been too much for him to bear.  After being completely determined to ride out Millen’s uncanny ability to draft NFL busts by granting him a contract extension in 2005, his son, Vice Chairman Bill Jr. was asked his feelings on the job security of their guy that picks players based on how soon they’ll crumble.  His thoughts on Monday were recorded with him wearing a brown paper bag over his head reading “Fire Millen.”  

With Millen out of the way, it seems that everyone is ready for a return to glory for the Lions and their fans.  HockeyTown will become FootballTown.  Sure, there’s DeeeeTroit Basketbaaaal, but DeeeeTroit Football is now on the map!  Fans can be ready for some success like they last had, back in 1957.  Calm down, Old Timer. 

Sure, this was a move that had to be made.  Millen had no previous executive experience and proved to not have the skills necessary in his first and probably last stint.  He chose talent that many would have, but the entire equation in developing those players with the right staff just didn’t add up.  I even think Joey Harrington and Mike Williams were two of the beer-bellied fans holding anti-Millen banners.  Although he’s gone, we shouldn’t expect Rudi Johnson and Kevin Smith to turn into Barry Sanders.  With this 0-3 start to the season, fans should look forward to the start of the NBA season, pack this one in, and take the firing of Matt Millen as one of their 3 upcoming victories this year. 


--JJJ
 

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