Lions Fire GM Martin Mayhew & President Tom Lewand, More Changes Coming

Update:

Lions owner Martha Ford announced Thursday that Sheldon White will be the team’s acting general manager and will report directly to her.

Ford added that there will be no changes to the team’s coaching staff as of now, and they’re already searching for new executives.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Detroit Lions have fired GM Martin Mayhew and president Tom Lewand on Thursday.

• According to Ian Rapoport, more changes are coming to the Lions beyond the firing of Mayhew and Lewand.
• Even with major changes to the front office, Rapoport reports that HC Jim Caldwell has been told he’s still the team’s head coach.
• Jason La Canfora expects Brian Xanders to take over as the team’s interim GM.
• Rapoport spoke to a source who told him it’s “total wipeout” with bosses going through the building deciding who stays and goes.

• A source texted Schefter: “Insane day in Detroit!!!!!“

This comes just over a week after the team fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi and some of their offensive line coaches.

Recent reports have said that major changes could be coming to the team now that they’ve produced a 1-7 record this season.

The decision to make changes at the top tiers of the organization implies that HC Jim Caldwell is likely to be relieved of his duties by season’s end, which shouldn’t come as a big surprise given how poorly things have gone this year in Detroit.

Mayhew was promoted to general manager back in 2008 after the Lions fired then president Matt Millen.

Since 2008, the Lions have produced a 41-63 (39.4 percent) under Mayhew’s leadership.

We’ll have more regarding other changes for the Lions as the news is available.