Martha Ford Steps Down, Pressure's On Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn

Published|Updated

Martha Firestone Ford, who has been the principal owner of the Detroit Lions since 2014, stepped down from her role today, the team announced. Ford, who is 94 years old, will be succeeded by her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp.

The pressure was already on GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia this upcoming season -- they'd been given an ultimatum by the elder Ford to contend for the playoffs or else. Now that someone who didn't make the hiring decision is in charge, it's logical that they should face more lofty standards.

Patricia replaced Jim Caldwell, who had gone 9-7 for two straight seasons and 36-28 overall in four years. Under Patricia, the Lions went 6-10 in 2018 and 3-12-1 in 2019. If the Lions stink again, we can probably guess what'll happen next.



Tags
Written by
Ryan Glasspiegel grew up in Connecticut, graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison, and lives in Chicago. Before OutKick, he wrote for Sports Illustrated and The Big Lead. He enjoys expensive bourbon and cheap beer.