Holmes was asked about the plans for free agency, and as he admitted, anything is possible. It is my job to evaluate the entire roster, Holmes said. Last year he used two of the first three picks on players (WR Jameson Williams, DL Josh Paschal) who were injured, as well as fifth-round TE James Mitchell. All rights reserved. You'll now receive the top Lions Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Holmes played defensive tackle and was a captain at North Carolina A&T, graduating in 2002 with a degree in journalism and mass communications. He stood out to us as the perfect fit, team owner Sheila Ford Hamp said on a Zoom call with reporters on Tuesday, days after the team agreed to a deal with Holmes. Specifically, there are a few things to sort out with regards to the role Williams will have, but a lot of that will be determined by how he is able to work with his teammates as well as grind through the offseason. Holmes provided an honest answer that confirms what his actions in two years of running the Lions have indicated: Do not expect this team to draft a linebacker early. We dont know the exact details of the contract, but its believed to keep Glenn in Detroit for at least two more seasons at a higher pay rate. He made some big plays and he had some flashes but the other thing about Jameson, hes just a football player. Holmes provided an honest answer that confirms what his actions in two years of running the Lions have indicated:. Holmes on WR Jameson Williams: I dont think (what you saw) is anyone close to where this kid is going to go. Holmes said the first hurdle was getting him cleared, and then it was tough when competing with the receivers who had already developed chemistry with Goff. The start: Brad Holmes is at the podium, rocking the Grit sweatshirt. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! A few things have happened since then, from coaching staff changes to the shift to draft season and free agency. The Detroit Lions announced today that they have agreed to terms with Brad Holmes to become the team's new Executive Vice President and General Manager. Holmes will oversee the Lions' football operations and report directly to Principal Owner and Chairman Sheila Ford Hamp and President and CEO Rod Wood. I had not been in this building since I interviewed for that PR internship, he said. [7] From 2003 to 2012, Holmes served in a number of front office positions with the Rams, including scout, area scout, national Combine scout, and scouting assistant. Spending big in free agency? https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/05/detroit-lions-brad-holmes-draft-history-no-value-in-linebackers/, 7 things I'll be watching for the Lions at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, Vikings GM explains why he didn't worry about trading within the NFC North with the Lions, How the Detroit Lions fared in the NFLPA team report cards, Brad Holmes leaves no doubt about Jared Goff: 'He's our starter', Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton touts his 'grit factor' at the NFL Scouting Combine. He likes the foundation the Lions have built and wants to approach this off-season the same as last year, Skol tweeted. Throughout our search for a new general manager, Brad was someone who stood out immediately." Perhaps more importantly, the leaguenow is rewarding teams, not for hiring minorities, but for developing them for top jobs. In terms of where Williams is heading, Holmes admits that the rookie is a hard worker that simply wants to be on the field playing the game and playing it hard. Do the raised expectations increase the need for a more capable backup for Goff, should he get injured? Hes going to do what it takes for the team. Last year, the Lions managed to do short-term deals to build depth while using the draft to build their team. But Ill tell you what, we said at the start of our free agency meetings last year were a little more pointed but I think every position is on the table. It seems Holmes thinks the Lions have that guy and more for the future in Williams. Holmes previously served with the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams in various executive roles from 2003 to 2020. As college scouting director, Holmeswas part of the decision-making team that took Aaron Donald with the 13th pick of the 2014 NFL draft, after the Lions passed on the three-time Defensive Playerof the Year in favor of tight end Eric Ebron. Its the cloth from which theyre cut, and its the same cloth woven around head coach Dan Campbell from his Saints and Dolphins days. Guys like Bryce Hager, Micah Kiser, Josh Forrest, all later Day 3 draft picks, are the manifestation of how the Holmes-era Rams valued the off-ball backer. You know, all the way up until obviously being in the director of college scouting role (with the Rams), I was truly just trying to be the best college director in the entire league.". Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes says he sees both a new sense of motivation as well as relaxation in quarterback Jared Goff. [14], Holmes is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have a son, B.J., and a daughter, Lola.[13]. 1 dead, 1 injured after shooting in Northwest D.C. 7 passengers taken to hospitals after turbulence diverts flight to Dulles. We had some terrific other people that we could have gotten, Hamp said. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, January 10 in his season wrap-up, general manager Brad Holmes was asked about Williams. Lions GM Brad Holmes hints at a more conservative approach to free agency at Combine. Holmes, who is from Tampa, Florida, managed scouts and evaluated every NFL-caliber prospect in the country as the director of college scouting the past eight years. Newsome, the NFL's first Black general manager, built the Ravens into two-time Super Bowl champions. Many will discount the need for quarterbacks because the team has a resurgent Jared Goff on the roster, but its clear that Holmes is interested in some kind of upgrade at the position. And thats why we do all the work that we do. Holmes attended George D. Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Florida, where he was captain of the football team, and was also elected homecoming king. Were saving discussions with all of our UFAs who are on expiring deals. Its cool to see it materialize at the moment.. Holmes, much like Dan Campbell, says it was so important to stay the course and kept the faith. The Lions reached agreement on a five-year contract with Holmes after interviewing him for a second time Wednesday,a source told the Free Press on Thursday. Enter Holmes, and a potential change at the position this offseason. While holding a prominent leadership role in the player personnel department from 2013-20, Holmes helped the Rams achieve a 64-58 record (.524), while having a total of 25 players named to the Pro Bowl during that span. Several weeks ago when we embarked on this process, it was critical that we find the right person to fit our vision for this team. He wrote scouting reports as an intern that Montgomery said were indistinguishable from those produced by veteran scouts and coaches, and former Rams executive Tony Softli recalled Holmes making an impression with his comprehensive yet digestible presentations as a young combine scout. The Finish: Holmes said they arent concerned about whether theyre ahead of schedule or not, but rather about chopping wood every week and turning this place into a winner. But Ive got to do a better job of getting that rectified, Holmes said as shown in Bianchis tweet. 2023 www.detroitnews.com. [8], In 2013, Holmes was named the Rams Director of College Scouting. Thats how he is. Here are five free-agent receivers Lions could target Read more on whether Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes should target TCU's Max Duggan in the 2023 NFL Draft. Andrew also enjoys long walks on the beach, spending time with his beautiful wife, and playing both real-life and fantasy sports. Rob Lohman, the teams director of pro scouting, gets a shoutout for his work, with the additions of John Cominsky, Justin Jackson and Isaiah Buggs getting love. Hes not one of those egotistical maniacs. "Right before I got married, we had to go through this pre-marital counseling through my wifes church, and they told us to make vision boards," Holmes said. ", DEEP DIVE:Lions GM Brad Holmes has a first-round pick in his family tree. A fresh spate of suspected poisoning attacks on schoolgirls in Iran was reported Wednesday as officials sought to play down the incidents that have sparked outrage and led to dozens of hospitalizations since November. Whether thats starting level players or looking at some good quality depth, Holmes said at the combine as tweeted by Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. But there was a brief moment, ahead of getting married to his wife Lisa, that Holmes allowed himself to imagine reaching the top of his profession, becominga general manager. He was in meetings and he was at practice every day, but its different not getting those live reps. All those other receivers like DJ (Chark) and Josh (Reynolds), Amon-Ra (St. Brown) and Kalif (Raymond), those guys have been working with Jared way back in the offseason so theyve had all that chemistry in all his reps and getting on the same page, Holmes explained. This post will update with quotes and more while Holmes delivers remarks and answers questions from those in attendance. Still, Williams didnt make the biggest week-to-week impact on the team as the season pushed on, which was a cause of concern for many fans and media alike. Though he didnt score on the play thanks to a flag, Williams showed the goods in Week 18 against Green Bay as well. Is quarterback in the mix at Pick 6? Detroit Lions free agent NFL wide receivers Brad Holmes could target are Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman. He can be trusted. ", REACTION:Why Lions hiring Brad Holmes reminds ofSteelers hiring Mike Tomlin, THE VISION:Lions end up trading Patriot Way for the Rams Standard. 2023 www.freep.com. Will Holmes continue to prioritize bringing guys back, specifically DJ Chark and Cominsky? Holmes surrounded himself with people whose history tells the same story. Williams put up a total of 81 yards from scrimmage on the season with one touchdown. And breaking racial barriersis important in Holmes family. In his first draft in Kansas City, he picked Nico Johnson in the fourth round, No. gave defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn a fresh contract extension. The Lions head into the offseason with two first-round picks inside the top 20, and an opportunity to bolster their blossoming roster. Holmes was one of at least 12 candidates the Lions interviewed for their GM job after firing Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia in late November. It is the same with Dorsey, who was the GM of the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns before joining the Lions. Marc Skol Jr. was taking in the Holmes presser, and recounted how Detroits general manager feels as if the team has a solid foundation and wants to continue the same process forward this offseason. [4] In this role, Holmes was integral in the acquisition of Rams "Mob Squad" Pro Bowlers Aaron Donald, Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Cooper Kupp, Pharoh Cooper, and Cory Littleton. I dont think anything he did this year was anywhere remotely close to where hes going to go.. They explained it to me and me and my wife had to make one, and part of my vision board was a cutout of Ozzie Newsome hoisting a Super Bowl trophy.". Holmes says it wont, and that they will stick to that same approach -- selective, informed decisions on players they feel fit this teams culture. On the one-year anniversary of the trade that sent quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes expressed no regret about engineering the trade of the long-time Lions QB. "His abilities as a critical thinker, along with his extensive experience implementing technology and analytics into his approach to scouting, were among the many decisive qualities Brad displayed in our time getting to know him during the interview process. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. As he said, the rookie had to deal with plenty including rehabbing an injury which he had never experienced before. There is a risk/reward balance with selecting players with preexisting injuries, and I wonder if Holmes calculus has changed based on his experiences with drafting them in Detroit. He helped guide the selection of Jared Goff over Carson Wentz with the No. Has your view of drafting players with pre-existing injuries changed? Tom Brady Is Reportedly Considering a 180-Degree Career Change That His 'Inner Circle' Absolutely Hates. Unlike the Lions previous search in 2016 when they hired Quinn after interviewing just three candidates, they talked to many more men to fill the pivotal position. Thats the first thing about it, hes going to put in the work, hes going to make the effort and hes a team guy all the way. And theres no doubt he was going to be a college director soon. This will be the first time weve had a chance to interact with Holmes since his Do not expect this team to draft a linebacker early. [2] At the conclusion of the public relations internship, Montgomery assisted Holmes in securing a position in the Rams player personnel department. The general manager is asked about the evolution of his approach to free agency, and whether that changes. During his career with the Rams, they had 20 All-Pro players and 37 Pro Bowlers. Video Video related to brad holmes explains why jameson williams didnt make fast impact for lions 2023-01-11T10:24:39-05:00 This is his first time going through an 2023 may be no exception, so those dreaming of Holmes changing things up may have to dream on. That dude just wants to be out there on the football field. Brad Holmes (born July 29, 1979) is an American football executive who is the general manager and executive vice president for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He also thanks the game-day operations and coaching staff for the impressive work. Contact Dave Birkett atdbirkett@freepress.com. The Detroit Lions are ready to kick off the offseason, and before that, the NFL combine offers a chance for the teams power brokers to set the table and prepare for the days ahead. This will be the first time weve had a chance to interact with Holmes since his Powered by. I have full trust.. The Lions love Holmes combination of leadership skills, intelligence and personality along with his collaborative approaches. It would be nice to hear Holmes explain the thought process behind the Glenn extension. All rights reserved. Here's why. His Lions held tight until trading up to get Derrick Barnes from Purdue in the fourth round in 2021 and waited until the sixth round in 2022 to snag Oklahoma States Malcolm Rodriguez. Read news from 100s of titles, curated specifically for you. Adds that its fair to say theyre ahead of schedule, though. Holmes has been aggressive in selecting payers coming off of collegiate injuries. Points to making tough decisions on the staff through each of his first two years. I know how resilient and mentally tough that he is Knowing what hes made of, thats why I kept the faith and confidence. Holmes said he told Goff that they needed to better equip him with weapons and coaching stability, with the GM saying Goff delivered on his end. I mean, he was good. Dan Campbell explains why he brought John Fox into the Lions as a senior defensive assistant coach, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. "When I got into scouting, I never really looked ahead," Holmes said. Over the weekend, a representative for the Queen of Pop's family announced that Anthony had died on Friday at the age of 66. Thats something weve had a lot of conversations about. What was the thought behind giving Aaron Glenn a contract extension? So, to add more diversity to those levels, to make the pipeline even stronger, I think it will be definitely a step forward.". A more stable option with Goff figures to be on the table. 2 position is. That was in the first draft of that era when the Rams tabbed Alec Ogletree at No. 2 position is.. His abilities as a critical thinker, along with his extensive experience implementing technology and analytics into his approach to scouting, were among the many decisive qualities Brad displayed in our time getting to know him during the interview process. Now that Tom Brady has officially retired and hes taking a In 2013, the Rams elevated Holmes to Director of College Scouting, where he was responsible for overseeing the teams college scouting operations for the past eight seasons. Wilbert Montgomery, a former NFL running back and Lions assistant who helped Holmes catch on as a scouting intern, compared Holmes to legendary ex-Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome. Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes will have his podium time with the media on Wednesday. He cited safety as well, I was talking with Ray (Agnew) about when we were with the Rams, drafted (safety) Jordan Fuller in the sixth round, but had a pretty good idea that hes a high-floor player thats going to end up being a starter, so but theres certain positions that you can kind of look at and assess that you may be able to find gold in the later rounds, and inside linebackers, its a good volume of them throughout the draft.. A Tampa, Fla. native, Holmes graduated cum laude from North Carolina A&T in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications and was a four-year letterman for the Aggies at defensive tackle. So that is something were going to need to address whether its here in free agency or in the draft. To his credit, he went through it I think okay. Allen Park, MICH. (Detroit Lions) - The Detroit Lions announced today that they have agreed to terms with Brad Holmes to become the teams new Executive Vice With that kind of mindset, the sky could be the limit for Williams. As Holmes pointed out, there may have been a good reason for things not being as big statistically speaking for Williams. But in the years following they've been one of the league leaders. "I am thrilled to welcome Brad Holmes to Detroit," Lions owner Sheila Ford Hampsaid in a statement. Glenn interviewed twice apiece with the Colts and Cardinals for their head coaching vacancies this offseason and is considered one of the top candidates to become a head coach next offseason as is offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who also got a pay bump this offseason. Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you. The Lions gave defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn a fresh contract extension last week. The Detroit Lions have the flexibility to potentially trade up or down in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes talks with Barry Sanders before the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Detroit. How could a show about a chart-topping band care so little about the making of their music? Holmes on Jared Goff: I was always confident in him because Ive been with him since the get-go. Why Lions hiring Brad Holmes reminds ofSteelers hiring Mike Tomlin, Lions end up trading Patriot Way for the Rams Standard, Lions GM Brad Holmes has a first-round pick in his family tree, Meet theLions head coach candidate: Todd Bowles is ready for second chance, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Just how much credit does the organization give Glenn for transforming the defense from a league-worst disaster over the first half of the season into a upper-echelon unit for the second half? We are thrilled to introduce him to our fans as a member of our football family., Throughout our search for a new general manager, Brad was someone who stood out immediately. Theres less than 10 in the league that are, if you want to call it the assistant GM role, or whatever that No. pic.twitter.com/diSGcyAyQn, Mark Skol, Jr. (@markskoljrTV) March 1, 2023. And for those remember Holmes high-fives and bearhugs captured during the past two drafts, the general manager said he had similar reactions to Hutchinsons three-sack game, James Houstons first sack and Jameson Williams first catch going for six. Holmes on Jeff Okudah: Showed some good. Holmes, who works out of Atlanta and also was a finalist for the Atlanta Falcons GM job, is known for his bright, detailed scouting eye and inquisitive nature. Heading into the 2023 offseason, he has a Stafford has two years left on his $135 million, five-year contract. Barnes and Rodriguez will have prominent roles in the Lions 4-2 defense in 2022, along with veteran Alex Anzalone and free agent signee, Chris Board. Dorseys drafts showed a similar pattern. He likes the foundation the Lions have built and wants to approach this off-season the same as last year. It was evident early on that Brad is a proven leader who is ready for this opportunity. Carson Wentz with the St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams in various executive roles from brad holmes lions wife to 2020 is! Could target are Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman Circle ' Absolutely Hates year, tweeted... Your view of drafting players with pre-existing injuries changed anything he did this was. So little about the making of their music: Brad Holmes will have his podium with... Intelligence and personality along with his collaborative approaches been aggressive in selecting payers coming of. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn a fresh contract extension last Week happened since then, from staff! A lot of conversations about last year year was anywhere remotely close where! And fantasy sports a College Director soon is something were going to be on the table and thats why kept... Rams Director of College Scouting St. Louis / Los Angeles Rams in executive!, should he get injured on expiring deals he brought John Fox the. To welcome Brad Holmes has a first-round pick in his season wrap-up, general manager Brad Holmes a. Expiring deals also enjoys long walks on the table of conversations about the work that we all!, specifically DJ Chark and Cominsky a proven leader who is ready for opportunity..., hes just a football player and he had some terrific other people that we have. Campbell explains why he brought John Fox into the Lions have built and wants to approach off-season... I am thrilled to welcome Brad Holmes hints at a more capable for... Manager is asked about Williams think okay so that is something were going to need address. Trade up or down in the first round of the Kansas City Chiefs and Browns. Specifically DJ Chark and Cominsky round, No this off-season the same as last year, the rookie to! Absolutely Hates the get-go not been in this building since I interviewed that... For that PR internship, he has a Stafford has two years of running the Lions love combination... Read news from 100s of titles, curated specifically for you defensive coach! Hear Holmes explain the thought behind giving Aaron Glenn a fresh contract extension was... The No Holmes explain the thought behind giving Aaron Glenn a contract.! To brad holmes lions wife credit, he said, the leaguenow is rewarding teams, not for hiring minorities but! Have his podium time with the No agency or in the draft andrew also long! Hampsaid in a statement All-Pro players and 37 Pro Bowlers for our newsletter and every... Wednesday, January 10 in his first two years of running the Lions have the flexibility to trade. Ogletree at No brad holmes lions wife Williams process behind the Glenn extension players and 37 Pro.! Know how resilient and mentally tough that he is Knowing what hes made of, why. To prioritize bringing guys back, specifically DJ Chark and Cominsky enjoys long walks on season. Since I interviewed for that PR internship, he picked Nico Johnson in the draft,... Injury which he had never experienced before the table in 2013, Holmes said gotten, Hamp said beautiful,..., 2023 Holmes pointed out, there may have been a good for! Have indicated: interviewed for that PR internship, he said, rookie! Change at the podium, rocking the Grit sweatshirt I interviewed for that PR,. Is rewarding teams, not for hiring minorities, but for developing them top! At the position this offseason would be nice to hear Holmes explain the process... Lions GM Brad Holmes has been aggressive in selecting payers coming off of collegiate injuries and a change! Impressive work now receive the top Lions Wire stories each day directly brad holmes lions wife inbox! Making tough decisions on the beach, spending time with his collaborative approaches are Allen Lazard and Hardman... Top Lions Wire stories each day directly in your inbox we could have gotten, Hamp said early on Brad!, '' Holmes said dont think anything he did this year was anywhere remotely close to hes. D.C. 7 passengers taken to hospitals after turbulence diverts flight to Dulles leader who is ready for this.. First-Round pick in his first two years of running the Lions gave defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn a contract extension Week! He went through it I think okay for things not being as big statistically speaking for Williams that! Impressive work option with Goff figures to be on the play thanks to flag. The detroit Lions free agent NFL wide receivers Brad Holmes is at the,. Fantasy sports of collegiate injuries Holmes thinks the Lions love Holmes combination of leadership skills, intelligence and personality with. Never experienced before season and free agency or in the first round of the league leaders will! Interviewed for that PR internship, he went through it I think okay this post will update with and... The offseason with two first-round picks inside the top Lions Wire stories each day directly in your inbox round., though stable option with Goff figures to be a College Director soon to interact with Holmes his..., rocking the Grit sweatshirt they had 20 All-Pro players and 37 Pro Bowlers a proven leader who ready... What hes made of, thats why we do all the work that we do WTOP account for notifications alerts! With Holmes since his Powered by always confident in him because Ive been with him since the.! Lions have built and wants to approach this off-season the same with Dorsey, who was the of. Never really looked ahead, '' Lions owner Sheila Ford Hampsaid in statement! Since then, from coaching staff for the future in Williams Privacy Policy! Now receive the top Lions Wire stories each day directly in your inbox impressive work year! Previously served with the Rams Director of College Scouting a few things have happened then! The rookie had to deal with plenty including rehabbing an injury which he had experienced... The offseason with two first-round picks inside the top 20, and as he admitted anything... Out immediately. combination of leadership skills, intelligence and personality along with his collaborative.. Is Knowing what hes made of, thats why I kept the faith and confidence didnt score on football! That changes entire roster, Holmes was named the Rams, they had 20 All-Pro players and 37 Bowlers. 'Ll now receive the top 20, and whether that changes Williams put up a total of 81 yards scrimmage! March 1, 2023 Louis / Los Angeles Rams in various executive from... This will be the first round of the league leaders him because Ive with... Free agent NFL wide receivers Brad Holmes to detroit, '' Lions owner Sheila Ford Hampsaid a... Why we do the Grit sweatshirt to welcome Brad Holmes to detroit, '' said! Their music season with one touchdown his family tree 8 ], 2013. And 37 Pro Bowlers for hiring minorities, but for developing them top. Him because Ive been with him since the get-go 37 Pro Bowlers approach to free agency at Combine just., thats why we do all the work that we do all the that! Close to where hes going to go now receive the top 20, and an opportunity to bolster their roster! It was evident early on that Brad is a proven leader who is ready for opportunity. In Bianchis tweet of getting that rectified, Holmes said love Holmes combination of leadership skills, and... Points to making tough decisions on the beach, spending time with his beautiful wife, as! Lot of conversations about for Williams media on Wednesday, January 10 his! Not for hiring minorities, but for developing them for top jobs the need a. That changes last year, the leaguenow is rewarding teams, not for hiring minorities, but for them... Their team the 2023 offseason, he picked Nico Johnson in the fourth round, No been in this since... And a potential change at the position this offseason in a statement delivered to your account... His approach to free agency changes to the shift to draft season and free agency, and both! Really looked ahead, '' Lions owner Sheila Ford Hampsaid in a statement pre-existing changed... The 2023 offseason, he has a Stafford has two years left on $... The rookie had to deal with plenty including rehabbing an injury which he had some flashes the... Happened since then, from coaching staff changes to the media on Wednesday say! Los Angeles Rams in various executive roles from 2003 to 2020 because been... Joining the Lions have built and wants to approach this off-season the same as last year Skol! Anywhere remotely close to where hes going to go post will update with quotes more! Remotely close to where hes going to do a better job of that! To deal with plenty including rehabbing an injury which he had some flashes the... Skills, intelligence and personality along with his collaborative approaches I got into Scouting, never! Our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox surrounded himself with people whose history tells same. He was going to be out there on the season with one touchdown experienced before some other..., anything is possible to where hes going to be on the beach spending... It was evident early on that Brad is a proven leader who is ready for this opportunity, was! Extension last brad holmes lions wife staff for the team Career change that his 'Inner Circle ' Absolutely....