The Lions were sold quickly on Brad Holmes. They interviewed him virtually last week, brought him to Detroit for an in-person interview on Wednesday and hired him as general manager on Thursday.
Holmes comes to the Lions from the Rams, where he served as director of college scouting for the past eight years. Lions president/CEO Rod Wood said Holmes' advanced 'approach to scouting' separated him early in the interview process.
“Throughout our search for a new general manager, Brad was someone who stood out immediately. His abilities as a critical thinker, along with his extensive experience implementing technology and analytics into his approach to scouting, were among the many decisive qualities he displayed in our time getting to know him," Wood said in an official statement.
Holmes oversaw the draft for the Rams, who have managed to make the playoffs in three of the past four seasons without owning a first-round pick in that span. He played a big role in the selections of two-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald 13th overall in 2013, 2017 Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley 10th overall in 2015 and two-time Pro Bowler Jared Goff first overall in 2016.
Owner Sheila Ford Hamp said Holmes' leadership qualities were clear from the moment they met him.
"Several weeks ago when we embarked on this process, it was critical that we find the right person to fit our vision for this team. It was evident early on that Brad is a proven leader who is ready for this opportunity," Ford Hamp said in the statement.
Holmes, 41, is expected to be formally introduced by the Lions later this week.