Detroit Lions hire Rod Wood as new team president

Detroit Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford named Rod Wood as the team’s new president on Thursday.

Detroit Lions owner Martha Firestone Ford named Rod Wood as the team’s new president on Thursday.

Wood, 55, has worked with the organization and the Ford family as President and CEO of Ford Estates. He will oversee the business side of the organization and report directly to Ford, according to the release.

“I am humbled and honored to accept this position. Mrs. Ford has made it clear that her goal, and the goal of the Ford Family, is to make the Detroit Lions a championship football team and organization,” Wood said in a statement. “In my role as team President, I will do everything possible to provide our organization with all the means necessary to succeed on the football field and provide our fans and city with a championship organization both on and off the field.”

The Lions fired team president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew on Nov. 5. Detroit also terminated offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, offensive line coach Jeremiah Washburn and assistant offensive line coach Terry Heffernan in late October.

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“It was critical to me and my family to fill the President’s position as soon as possible, provided we identified the right person,” Ford said. “I am confident Rod is the right person.”

Along with the hiring of Wood, the team also announced the establishment an advisory board to assist with the general manager search. The board includes the team’s Board of Directors and Vice Chairmen.

The Lions (2–7) play the Oakland Raiders (4–5) on Sunday at home.