NFL Amazed at Incompetence of Detroit Lions Owner William Clay Ford

Detroit Lions owner William Clay Ford is incompetent. As the grandson of Henry Ford, he always has been and always will be a very rich man, but he's never accomplished anything in his life on his own merits, and in his 45 years owning the Lions, he has proven time and again that he hasn't a clue how to run a football team.

I thought everyone who followed football knew this, but apparently not. Peter King writes at SI.com that the football world is shocked -- shocked! -- by the latest example of Ford's incompetence:

I think no one in the league -- and I mean no one -- can believe William Clay Ford didn't move to hire a new GM (even though there is great respect for Martin Mayhew) and the front-office staff.

King is well connected in the NFL, and I guess all of his league sources are telling him they're surprised that Ford didn't overhaul his front office. But really, why would anyone expect Ford to do such a thing? What has Ford ever done that would make anyone expect him to suddenly make big changes to his franchise, after 45 years of being the worst owner in the NFL?

The bottom line is that as long as this man owns this team, this team is going to stink. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-05-2009 @ 12:48PM

Joe said...

WCF is an idiot

1-05-2009 @ 3:24PM

Yohncc said...

Good article Michael. It's good to see one that finally gets to the source of the Lions' real problem(s). I argee with you and I think took for granted that non Lions's fans knew about William Clay Ford and his total mismanagement of this team. That's one thing that will be in the spotlight now (at least until they win a regular season game). Until then Lion's fans will have to suffer with William Clay Ford's stupidity as we have for all of these years!

1-05-2009 @ 4:29PM

lonesurvivor said...

Duh. I am surprised the Peter uses the word "shocked" for two reasons. Most of the writing is SI very upbeat - maximize the positive, minimize the negative. (kinda like John Madden "He's one of the best in the league at his position") So using the word "shocked" is a departure from their typical burying of the head in the sand. The second reason it surprises me, is there really ANYTHING that the Lions front office does that is truly shocking? The level of disconnectedness and incompetence is unsurpassed in the sports world.

Not that the NFL would ever do this, but man, wouldn't it be fun to see - tell WCF he has 5 years to win a playoff game, or the NFL turns off the spigot of money for the televised games. Shut it off completely. Nada, Zip, Zilch. Don't care if they sell out or not. No money honey. Done with ya. LOL!

Here's a follow-up story for Peter King. Do a review of the last 50 years of Lions history. All the stupid decisions. Follow their draft choices, their coaches and their signings (who they let go vs. who they re-signed). Then tell me how shocked you are by their latest gaff.

Dare I say it again - DUH.

1-05-2009 @ 5:06PM

johnreo67 said...

I don't see where you get off commenting that WCF "never accomplished anything in his life on his own merits." First, how do you know that? He is 83 years old. Do you know what he was doing in the 1940s? 1950s? And what gives you the right to pass judgement on the lives of him and others anyway. Come down off your high horse. You want to comment of football, fine. The Lions have been an awful team for a long time. Results don't lie. But lay off the nasty personal attacks.

1-05-2009 @ 6:40PM

gmen4evar said...

Everywhere you hear that Mayhew is respected by everyone in the league. This is usually followed up with "I'm shocked he isn't getting canned." If he is good, why fire him? Give him a shot at running the show, he can't do any worse than past Lions Execs.

1-05-2009 @ 11:40PM

rbntn said...

The lions are a complete mess.Mayhew can not and will not be as horrible as M.M. was.they need a coach who has a winning mentality and a g.m. that drafts on needs.with the exception of ernie sims a couple of years ago they drated johnson with good receivers already in place what does that say for their former g.m?ford may not be the best owner in the world but if you ask me the g.m for the last several years is the real prob they have had.gl 2 all the lions fans who deserve some joy in thier lives.

1-06-2009 @ 12:08AM

rtd said...

I am not surprised by the moves the Lions have made following the debacle of the recently ended season. There were several prominent and respected names mentioned for the Lions to consider for the front office. Probably not one of those qualified candidates were contacted. I would worry about other personnel from other teams commenting on the personnel that the Lions kept in the front office. Why would someone wish to see a competitor for talent and success upgrade their chances by bringing in staff that would increase those chances?
As for Lions fans, just from a personal armchair view of what they have done so far, and the hole the Fords have dug for the team,
there does not appear to be a chance that the team will improve.

1-06-2009 @ 1:28AM

ET said...

wow, as a non Lions fan this is a very informative article.
What an amazing level of determination - to own something for so long and be so hopeless at it - and keep on doing it!

thanks

ET
http://tariksport.com/nfl-blog
http://www.tariksport.com/superbowl.shtml

1-06-2009 @ 6:50PM

lionsfan06 said...

The lions have a coach that has been with team since 1983 and has held at least ten different jobs please some one investigate why coach Don Clemons has a job.