How to Fix The Detroit Lions

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Last season, the Miami Dolphins were 0-13.  Many analysts and some fans were rooting for the perfectly imperfect season, but the Dolphins won in week 14 against the Ravens, finishing the season 1-15. 

This year, however, after a one-win season, the Dolphins control their own playoff destiny and look to knock off the Patriots as AFC Champions. 

The Lions, on the other hand, are facing an 0-16 season square in the face and have absolutely nothing to build on. 

Still, the Dolphins had nothing either. 

They had Cleo Lemon as quarterback and Greg Camarillo as a wide receiver.  Yet this season, somehow, they are in the playoff hunt. 

If I was owner of the Detroit Lions, here are some of my ideas to get the Lions on the right track to do what the Miami Dolphins did:

Fire Interim GM Martin Mayhew

Yeah, he did complete one of the best Lions trades ever when he received a first-round pick from the Dallas Cowboys for WR Roy Williams. But that does not a career make. Thank him, and move on. 

He has been part of the Lions' losing ways for too long.  Send him on his way and bring in a winner. 

Scott Pioli from the New England Patriots would be a great addition to the Lions' franchise.  It's not a new idea, but it shouldn't be overlooked. The Pats are the most successful franchise since 2000. If I were owner, I would give this guy as much money as he wants.

Fire Head Coach Rod Marinelli, Offensive Coordinator Jim Colleto, and Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry

Who replaces these "football" coaches?

Well, there is a surplus of coaching talent available.  In my opinion, if the Lions get Scott Pioli, I would then hire Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels of the New England Patriots to come and coach the Lions. 

I really believe that, because Scott Pioli is probably going to leave the Pats this year to be a GM of a team, Josh McDaniels will follow him and become the new Head Coach of whatever team Pioli runs. 

My new offensive coordinator would be Jeff Rutledge, the current quarterback’s coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals have one of the best passing games in the league, and he could help the Lions passing game settle on one quarterback.  Plus, there is no current offensive coordinator who is going to want to come to Detroit, so they have to look deep. 

The new defensive coordinator would be Romeo Crennel.  Crennel is going to be fired by the Browns this offseason, I can almost guarantee it, and he was a defensive genius in New England.  Therefore, Detroit should be welcoming him to the Lions.

Now that the front office and coaching situation is squared away, he is what I would do about that players:

First Pick in the 2009 Draft

Whatever you do, do not draft a quarterback with this pick. 

Yeah, Matt Stafford will be on the board, but do not pick him.

With the first pick in the draft, the Lions should select DE Michael Johnson from Georgia Tech.

At first, I was going to say pick Michael Oher out of Ole Miss, but if you remember, the Lions did waste, err, I mean, "use" a first round pick on Gosder Cherilus last season.

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