The Lions finally have settled their front office and coaching staff, as they try to turn around the franchise after the NFL's first 0-16 season.
General manager Martin Mayhew has hired a senior personnel executive, James (Shack) Harris, to help him manage the personnel department and evaluate players.
Harris is a veteran executive who spent the past six years as Jacksonville's vice president of player personnel. Mayhew has spent less than a season as a general manager.
"A lot has been made about the experience factor," Mayhew said. "This is an experienced guy. He's got 20 years in it. He's very well-respected in the National Football League. He's has a good eye. You ask any scout, and they'll tell you James has a really good eye. So I think it's important to have a guy like that."
Harris was Baltimore's director of pro personnel from 1997-2002 and helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV. He worked with new Lions coach Jim Schwartz in '97-98.
The Lions' coaching staff features holdovers from the previous staff and assistants with connections to Schwartz, offensive coordinator Scott Linehan and defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham.
The Lions kept Stan Kwan (special teams coordinator), Sam Gash (running backs), Shawn Jefferson (wide receivers), Bradford Banta (assistant special teams), Don Clemons (defensive quality control), Jason Arapoff (coordinator of physical development) and Malcolm Blacken (strength and conditioning).
Matt Burke (linebackers) came from Tennessee, where Schwartz was the defensive coordinator the past eight years.
Tim Lappano (tight ends), George Yarno (offensive line), Jeff Horton (quarterbacks) and Todd Downing (offensive quality control) have connections to Linehan.
Bob Karmelowicz (defensive line) and Daren Roberts (assistant secondary) worked with Cunningham at different points in Kansas City, where Cunningham spent two stints in different capacities.
"I think that Jim did a great job with the coaching staff," Mayhew said. "I think we've got two very experienced coordinators who have been head coaches. We've got a lot of good, young coaches in the staff, a couple college guys, and a good mix between the older guys and the young guys, great attitude.
"I mean, they're excited about working. The free agency meetings, we had them do some reports. They did a great job with that. So I'm excited about our staff."
