The Detroit Lions announced today that Chris Spielman has joined the organization as Special Assistant to Chairman and President & CEO. In his new full-time role, Spielman will report directly to President & CEO Rod Wood and participate in interviews for the team’s next general manager and head coach.
“I am humbled and excited about the opportunity to be involved with the franchise that is truly a part of me,” said Spielman in a statement. “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 was drafted by the Lions in the second round (29th overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft following an All-American career as a linebacker at Ohio State. The Lions’ all-time leader in career tackles with 1,138, Spielman led the Lions defense for eight seasons (1988-95) and helped the team to four playoff appearances, two NFC Central titles and a berth in the 1992 NFC Championship Game. He earned four Pro Bowl selections and was twice named the team’s defensive MVP.
After finishing his playing career with the Buffalo Bills (1996-97) and Cleveland Browns (1999), Spielman entered the field of sports broadcasting with FOX Sports in 1999 before joining ESPN in 2001, where he worked primarily on “ESPN College Football Saturday.” He returned to FOX in 2016 as an analyst for NFL games and spent seven years as an analyst for Lions Preseason TV.
“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,” said Lions Principal Owner and Chairman Sheila Ford Hamp in a statement. “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.”
The Lions also announced that Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, former Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis and Fritz Pollard Alliance executive director Rod Graves will serve as advisors to the team’s search for a general manager and head coach.
