The Detroit Lions team finally named its coaching and administrative staff after the 0-16 NFL season. According to Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew, James Harris has been hired as the new senior personnel executive who will be responsible for evaluating players and managing the personnel department. Although Mayhew was in Detroit as coach for less than a season, he has said that Harris has 20 years of experience that has earned him the respect of the National Football League. He spent the last 6 years in Jacksonville as president of the player staff.

Harris has a lot of experience, especially after working in Baltimore as director of professional personnel from 1997-2002 and even helped the Ravens win the 35th Super Bowl. He also has a history of working with the current Lions coach in 1997-1998.

Manager Mayhew is pleased with the new front office team which he says is made up of very young members, some old ones who have a lot of experience and a great attitude who are very excited to get started.

The coaching staff is made up of former staff members and their assistants who have good connections with Coach Schwartz, and Scott Linehan and Günter Cunningham, who are responsible for the offensive and defensive departments, respectively.

Those retained include Stan Kwan, special teams coordinator, Sam Gash, running backs, Shawn Jefferson, wide receivers manager, Bradford Banta, special teams assistant, Jason Arapoff, physical development coordinator and Malcolm Blacken, in charge of strength and conditioning.

Head Coach Schwartz also named nine new coaches Jeff Horton (QBs); Tim Lappano (tight ends); Bob Karmelowicz (defensive line); Kris Kocurek (assistant defensive line); Daron Roberts (secondary assistant); Tim Walton (secondary); George Yarno (offensive line); Matt Burke (linebackers); Todd Downing (offensive quality control).

The Detroit Lions have also waived some of their players in a move to add talent to the club. Most of those sent home participated in the first 0-16 NFL game. Among them were well-paid Leigh Bodden and Mike Furrey, guard Edwin Mulitalo, safety Dwight Smith, tight end Dan Campbell and offensive tackle Jon Dunn.

Bodden is leaving even before the end of his four-year contract with the Lions in which he had signed $27 million for the entire season. He allowed one pass for the Lions last season after having 11 interceptions in Cleveland the previous three years, including six in 2007.

Campbell could have been eliminated because last season he only played 3 games after suffering an injury. He initially played 23 games for the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants in the 2005-2006 seasons.

However, the Detroit Lions still have a long way to go to renew this season’s games after suffering a humiliating loss in the 0-16 season. The new team will have to test and implement their new winning strategies. However, the big decision still needs to be made at quarterback and for that to happen, work needs to start immediately.