The Lions are bringing in a football mind to the front office -- a football mind they know well.
The team announced Tuesday it has hired former All-Pro linebacker Chris Spielman as a special assistant to owner Sheila Ford Hamp and president Rod Wood. Spielman will help the Lions in their search for a new head coach and new general manager, including by participating in interviews.
"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," Ford Hamp said in an official release. "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 Barry Sanders will help guide the organization in its GM/head coach search, along with Fritz Pollard Alliance director Rod Graves and Rock Ventures VP of business development and former Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis.
Spielman said he is 'humbled and excited' to help a franchise that is 'truly a part of me.' He spent the first eight seasons of his 10-year NFL career with the Lions.
"The opportunity to work with Rod Wood and every single person in the Lions organization can’t get here fast enough," he said. "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, 55, has been an NFL on Fox analyst since 2016.