Lions fire Mariucci

**Nick** · -11-28-2005

After much deliberation, Lions fire Mariucci
Jay Glazer / FOXSports.com
Posted: 1 hour ago

Motown is moving on ... finally.

Sources have told FOXSports.com that after much speculation and deliberation, the Lions have fired head coach Steve Mariucci.

The same sources said they believe defensive coordinator Dick Jauron would be the team's interim head coach, but that has not yet been confirmed.

It was widely reported on Friday that Mariucci's days in Detroit were numbered, but he managed to last the weekend.

The last straw for Lions management apparently was Detroit's embarrassing 27-7 loss to Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day. Playing before a national television audience, the Falcons took a 27-0 lead into the fourth quarter and were able to sit starting quarterback Michael Vick.

This was supposed to be the season Mariucci got the Lions back on track. Quarterback Joey Harrington was entering his fourth season in the league and the team was loaded with talent at the skill positions.

But after sharing the NFC North lead at 3-3, the Lions have dropped four of their last five games to fall out of the postseason hunt for the sixth straight season.

In his two-plus years in Detroit, Mariucci had a 15-28 record — a far cry from the 60-43 mark he had during six seasons in San Francisco.

Mariucci has two more seasons left on a five-year, $25-million contract signed when he was hired in 2003.

***Rambos*** · -11-28-2005

Martz would be a nice fit, dome, good WR and Martz could make Joey into a good QB.

**Nick** · -11-28-2005

Yeah, some Lion fans have already begun to speculate about Martz coming in.

**r8rh8rmike** · -11-28-2005

Originally Posted by NickSeiler

Yeah, some Lion fans have already begun to speculate about Martz coming in.

They may have to wait in line.

***Truth*** · -11-28-2005

Seems to me that Matt Millen should be getting more blame for the mess in Detroit. He is responsible for putting that team together.

***txramsfan*** · -11-28-2005

It's odd, the Lions are. Have drafted well, spent money wisely on FA's, they just don't seem to be able to put the square peg in the round hole.

Chrisbob · -11-29-2005

Ready, Aim.......Fire (Mooch)
But who is really to blame for the Lions failings?

So there we have it, the first canning of the season. Steve Mariucci was give the boot by the Lions earlier today after days of speculation since the Lions were embarrassed on Thanksgiving Day by the Atlanta Falcons.

The interesting thing about this move is how blame is apportioned. Fans and media alike are discussing not only Mooch's failings, but that of Lions GM Matt Millen and Lions Owner William Clay Ford.

Lets jump back a bit and look at the bigger picture. Ford has being involved with the Lions since 1956 and has owned the team outright since 1964. In that time, the Lions have only ever won one play-off game and they have only qualified for the play-offs nine times. Five years ago, Ford talked former NFL linebacker and then colour commentator Matt Millen into becoming the teams new General Manager despite no real experience in a Front Office role. Over the five years Millen has been GM of this team, the Lions have posted a record of 20-55.

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