The Detroit Lions lost one of the best offensive coordinators in the league to an NFC North rival. The same won’t happen for Brad Holmes with the Minnesota Vikings general manager search this offseason.
The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett connected the dots Thursday morning, writing Lions assistant general manager Ray Agnew will not be the next Vikings general manager.
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported Wednesday the five finalists for the job were Vikings interim GM Rob Brzezinski, Denver Broncos‘ Reed Burchkardt, Buffalo Bills‘ Terrance Gray, Los Angeles Rams‘ John McKay and Seattle Seahawks‘ Nolan Teasley.
Obviously, that means Agnew isn’t one of the five finalists.
Agnew will have to wait for another opportunity to interview for one of the coveted NFL general manager positions. But ultimately, it’s very good news for the Lions.
“With Agnew due back this fall, the Lions will have continuity at the top of their front office for the first time in four years,” wrote Birkett.
“Last year, Mike Martin, the Lions’ director of scouting advancement, left to become general manager for Notre Dame. In 2024, the Washington Commanders hired Lions senior director of player personnel Lance Newmark as assistant general manager. And in 2023, the Arizona Cardinals hired Lions director of college scouting Dave Sears as assistant GM.”
Agnew has been a top advisor to Holmes in the Lions front office since Detroit’s last regime change in 2021. Agnew followed Holmes from the Los Angeles Rams to the Lions.
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Once NFL organization experience some success, continuity is often the best recipe for sustained excellence.
As Birkett indicated, the Lions will be able to maintain their same front office entering 2026.
Agnew began his NFL career as a defensive tackle in 1990. The New England Patriots selected Agnew at No. 10 overall in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft.
Over 11 seasons, he played for the Patriots, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers and St. Louis Rams.
Agnew capped off his playing days with the Rams in 2000. That’s where he also started his executive career. He served as director of pro personnel with the Rams from 2017-21.
During that time, Holmes was the director of college scouting for the Rams.
The Lions hired Holmes as general manager in 2021. Agnew followed Holmes to Detroit as assistant GM.
Lions Current Front Office Success
Detroit experienced a disappointing 2024 campaign, but overall, the Lions have had a lot of success with their current regime.
Since starting the Holmes era 4-19-1, the Lions are 44-17 (.721). Over the past three and a half seasons, the franchise has won two division titles, which hadn’t happened in 30 years. The Lions also advanced to the NFC championship for the first time since 1991.
The team is built to experience more success because of the foundation its laid on the roster.
One of the first things Holmes and Agnew did was acquire quarterback Jared Goff from the Rams. Since 2021, the Lions have also drafted All-Pros Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell.
Additionally, the team selected Pro Bowlers Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch.
Agnew will remain in Detroit at least another year to continue building toward a Super Bowl run.
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