Lions’ Brad Holmes proud to be among small group of Black GMs, hopes to inspire
Updated Jan 21, 2021;
Posted Jan 21, 2021
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes First Day at Allen Park. (via the Detroit Lions).Detroit Lions
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ALLEN PARK Mel Holmes was an offensive lineman at North Carolina A&T, a historically Black college located in Greesnboro. He was so good that he became a fifth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971.
Then he arrived in Pittsburgh, and was told Black people shouldn’t be offensive linemen in the NFL.
“He shared with me the experiences of his struggles that he had to go through in different, let’s say, stereotypes regarding race because he was a Black offensive lineman,” his son, Brad Holmes, said this week. “He says, ‘When I was playing, people didn’t think that Blacks should be on the offensive line or the QB position.’”
The Detroit Lions Continue The Trend Of Poaching Saints Coaches
The latest coach to leave New Orleans is former Tight Ends Coach Dan Campbell.
Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp had this to say about Campbell:
With more than 20 years of experience as both a coach and player in the National Football League, Dan knows the rigors of professional football and what it takes to be successful. He will help promote the culture we want to establish across our organization, while also bringing with him high energy, a respect for the game and an identity with which everyone can align themselves.
Live updates recap: Detroit Lions introduce new head coach Dan Campbell
Updated Jan 21, 2021;
Posted Jan 21, 2021
FILE - This is a 2016 file photo showing Dan Campbell of the New Orleans Saints NFL football team. The Browns took their coaching search on the road and interviewed tight ends coach Campbell. The 42-year-old Campbell met Friday, Jan. 4, 2019, with Browns general manager John Dorsey and other members of Cleveland’s committee while the Saints practiced during their bye week in the NFL playoffs. (AP Photo/File)AP
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ALLEN PARK Dan Campbell, the new head coach of the Lions, will address reporters in Detroit for the first time Thursday morning.
The Detroit Lions have landed the coach they coveted from the start of their search, agreeing to terms with Dan Campbell.The Lions announced the agreement with the New Orleans Saints tight ends coach on Wednesday, one day after formally introducing.