New Lions GM; Counter-argument

What kind of law student would I be if I didn't analyze both sides of an argument? So lets go through it.

Mitch Albom refuted my argument straight up by saying he would like anyone BUT a former coach testing the waters of general management for the first time. The other bit of factual background comes from Floyd Reese's (former Tennessee Titan GM, and now ESPN analyst) statements campaigning for the job of Lions GM.

Just like any job that which matters most is experience. Grades, degrees, and recommendations are all meaningless once you get far enough in your career. So, perhaps NFL management experience is exactly the place to start.

Matt Millen had absolutely no experience. He had experience playing and broadcasting, but not running a football business. Floyd Reese had experience drafting, winning, and running a successful operation.

The initial name I suggested was Bill Cowher, a name who probably has absolutely no interest in the job. But, I still think he could handle the job, especially in the scouting, drafting and personnel recruiting. But, like any high end job, general manager of an NFL team probably has a lot more too it that just those three things. Having the experience in the every day stuff is probably just as valuable as being a good scout; we as fans just don't get the opportunity to see it in the same light because, frankly, it doesn't really concern us.

So while I think a former coach would be a good option, unlike Mitch Albom, a guy who has been there and done it is probably even more valuable. I just didn't think guys like Floyd Reese had any real interest in such a crappy job.

After looking at the facts, Reese is perfect. He has a relationship with William Clay Ford already because he was the Lions strength and conditioning coach in the seventies. He drafts well (27% of his 1st round draft picks have been named rookie of the year). He has gotten his team into the deep into the playoffs; something no Lions executive has been able to do since the 50's. Plus, most importantly, he WANTS to come here!

While I still think Bill Cowher could be a good fit, he might be an even better fit on the field... I'll leave that to another post, however.

So, hopefully Bill Ford, Jr. reads the Free Press or listens to the radio, because Reese wants the job. Give it to him!

Scouting matters, but I think experience trumps it.