Thanks to the work of Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who was hired in January 2021 to undo the damage from previous general manager Bob Quinn, the Lions have ascended in recent years to heights that generations of fans had never seen before in their lives.
Not only did the Lions win two straight NFC North Division titles, but they also came within 30 minutes of advancing to the Super Bowl for the first time in team history in the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers in early 2024. They also won 15 of 17 games in the following season.
While the most recent season didn’t ultimately yield a playoff spot, Holmes and the rest of his management team have been working to get the Lions back into title contention.
But according to a recently released report from a key NFL Insider, a top divisional rival of the Lions is eying one of their executives.
The Minnesota Vikings Sought Permission From The Detroit Lions To Speak To Assistant GM Ray Agnew
According to a report from noted NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, the Minnesota Vikings, a longtime divisional rival of the Lions, sought permission from the club to interview assistant general manager Ray Agnew.
Additionally, the Vikings have asked permission to speak to Denver Broncos assistant GM Reed Burckhardt and Miami Dolphins assistant GM Kyle Smith.
“The Vikings requested interviews with Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew, Broncos assistant GM Reed Burckhardt and Dolphins assistant GM Kyle Smith for their general manager job, sources say,” wrote Pelissero on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Minnesota’s initial round of virtual interviews is underway and the list has now expanded.”
Agnew, who previously served as the Director of Pro Personnel for the Los Angeles Rams, joined the Lions in 2021.
Lions Assistant GM Ray Agnew Knows Change Is A Part Of Life In The NFL
Agnew knows that changes often happen when you’re part of a successful organization, and other teams want what you have.
That was the case prior to the start of last season when the New York Giants hired Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, while the divisional rival Chicago Bears nabbed offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.v
“When you have success, that’s going to happen. (New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn) AG and (Chicago Bears Head Coach) Ben (Johnson), those guys are two really good coaches,” said Agnew. “But man, I’m a big (Lions Defensive Coordinator) Kelvin Sheppard fan, so I have no reservations. Shepp, I was a fan of him as a player and as a coach. He’s demanding. Our defense is going to be aggressive, still. And the guy is a great coach, man. He gets his players better.
“Love the move. And (Former Offensive Coordinator John Morton) Johnny Mo, we know Johnny Mo. Johnny Mo is creative, aggressive as a play caller. We’re excited about those guys. I’m a big (Lions Run Game Coordinator/Defensive Line) Kacy Rodgers fan, as far as the D-Line coach, so I’m excited. It was fun for me to stay around and be able to see new coaches and watch the growth of the organization.”
Major NFC North Threat Emerging to Steal Detroit Lions Executive