There will be much bemoaning Brad Holmes’ lack of experience.
The Rams’ drafts will be examined with a fine-tooth comb, misguidedly as if Holmes deserves all the credit or blame.
You wonder how much power Holmes actually will have with adviser Chris Spielman and team president Rod Wood in such close proximity to owner Shiela Ford Hamp.
None are experienced in their current roles, which is disconcerting given the rock-bottom depth of the Lions’ organization.
But I would suggest this specifically about Holmes: Give him a chance.
What I like about the Lions’ hiring is the possibility they have found the right general manager on an upward trend.
Truth is, Holmes carries no track record. This will presumably be the first time his voice will be the most important in the room in regard to player personnel.
Making the final decision as general manager is very different than filing scouting reports and debating in meetings.
The upside is, he's not carrying the baggage of previous decisions. And motivation. This is a career-defining shot for 41-year-old Brad Holmes.
The Lions did an extensive interview process, so it’s not like they haven’t done their homework.
Of course, that doesn’t mean they are right. But it doesn’t mean they will be wrong, either.
I still believe the coach is the most important decision in this process. Also, it’s very important that the organization pulls itself together collectively. No one person is going to save the Lions from their losing culture. And that tone must be set by the new coach as essentially the face of the franchise.
The Lions can’t be delusional about where they stand. If there was ever an organization that needs to take a long look in the mirror, it’s this one. The Lions’ failures have not been a matter of coincidence, but ineptitude.
Here is my unsolicited advice: Let Holmes do his job. Make sure he is the one who has the ear of the owner, that he is not undercut along the way.
And it’s up to Ford Hamp to listen to what she needs to hear rather than waiting for what she wants to.
Only then will the Lions have a legitimate chance to emerge from their endless cycle of doom.