The Annual George Paton Chase
https://www.nfl.com/news/lions-eye-blockbuster-as-team-plans-to-pursue-seahawks-gm-john-schneider
The Lions began their search for a new general manager with a series of interviews before the regular season ended. But Detroit brass is also plotting a potential blockbuster move.
Sources say the Lions plan to pursue Seahawks GM John Schneider for their vacant GM opening, a hire that would send shockwaves around the NFL.
While it would be unthinkable in any other circumstance for the Lions to be able to lure a decorated GM such as him, Schneider doesn't have primary authority over all personnel decisions in Seattle -- Carroll does. That hasn't really mattered, since Carroll and Schneider are in lockstep, but under the NFL's anti-tampering policy, the Lions or another team could try to interview Schneider if it offered him full control. Another team is also likely going to make a run at Schneider.
While Carroll recently agreed to a contract extension through 2025, Schneider has just one year left on his contract.
Detroit is looking for an experienced GM, but another top candidate would be Vikings VP of player personnel and assistant GM George Paton. Though he hasn't been a GM before, Paton is widely respected and works hand-in-hand with GM Rick Spielman, whose brother, Chris, happens to be a newly hired special assistant to Lions chairman Sheila Ford Hamp and is part of the search process.
Detroit has already interviewed for its vacant GM job three in-house candidates -- personnel director Lance Newmark, VP of player personnel Kyle O'Brien and pro scouting director Rob Lohman -- as well as veteran former GMs Scott Pioli, Thomas Dimitroff and Rick Smith and ESPN analyst Louis Riddick.
“A gentleman is someone who can play the accordion, but doesn't." - Tom Waits
I dont see RS going, so it's still a matter of when vs if with Paton...the when is feeling sooner now though, ain't it?
@"purplefaithful" said: I dont see RS going, so it's still a matter of when vs if with Paton...the when is feeling sooner now though, ain't it?He's had good opportunities before that he's turned down, so we'll see. I can't see him wanting to get involved in the Detroit mess, but on the other hand, he could probably help turn that org around.
Hate to see talent leave the building but Spielman has earned more time, IMO. Hopefully Paton stays but I wouldn't begrudge him one bit for leaving. If he's had a hand in our recent drafts, then he's contributed a lot to this team. Respect!
if you want a championship org, Minny front office is the place to look
@"kmillard" said: if you want a championship org, Minny front office is the place to lookFacts.
Interesting course of events with Chris Spielman involved.
I am have been posting for the last couple months about wanting change but not necessarily with Rick. I am just done with Zimmer. I have enough mediocracy from him and not enough improvement across the board from him. But as many others have pointed out a lot of times the GM and HC are a package deal but not always.
I think Rick is an above average GM and have defended him many times over many years. I think he is coming off his second best draft as well which is a decent chunk of his responsibility as GM. So I don't necessarily want Rick to go but I want a change in direction from him communicated by the Wilf's. If he is not on board then he might go.
If that happens that would be a perfect move for the Lions IMO. Hiring Rick and then Saleh (which I want here) is an organizational changer for Detroit.
That said Paton would be a fine substitute for Spelly for either of us. I mean they have worked hand in hand for years. But Paton maybe more open for change in direction as I mentioned. I'm don't think he would be as committed to our window still being open as much as Spelly is. Paton could make changes that I don't think Spelly would without losing face.
Bottom line for me:
I am fine with Spelly (conditionally) but not Zimmer. I am not thrilled at all with another year of Spelly/Zimmer. Ideally, I want a very heavy emphasis on drafting a QB in what I think is a very deep QB draft in many years. I don't want to miss out just because of Cousin's contract (Paton save face) to not look ahead and realize that our window is not open next few years. Open for playoffs closed beyond.
Spelly/Zimmer = not good
Spelly/New HC = OK
Spelly with an eye for the future/new HC like Saleh = ideal
Paton/new HC with an eye to the future = also ideal
I just think our current thought with Spelly/Zimmer is mulligan for this year, another good draft, Hunter and Pierce back on the DL and all is good. I don't. I see very similar results as we have had for 8 years.
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