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Offseason Move #2: Hiring of Coordinators

Last Friday, the #2 ranked offseason move by the Detroit Lions' official website was announced. The previous three moves were announced and analysed here on Pride Of Detroit.  Move #5 was trading Joey Harrington to the Miami Dolphins.  Move #4 was re-signing seven unrestricted free agents.  Finally, move #3 was adding a numerous amount of free agents.

The #2 move overall, unveiled on Friday, was the hiring of new offensive and defensive coordinators Mike Martz and Donnie Henderson.  

From his first day as head coach, Marinelli made it clear he was looking for coaches who would fit in with what he was trying to do in Detroit. On January 29th - just 10 days after he was announced as head coach - Marinelli named Donnie Henderson, most recently with the New York Jets, as the Lions' defensive coordinator.

"I have a great history with Donnie way back at Utah State and he's a man I believe in very strongly," said Marinelli at the press conference announcing Henderson as the Lions' defensive coordinator. "He brings great tempo, great character and great toughness to what we're doing. It's going to be a nice combination of what I've been around in terms of our system."

Once Henderson was secured as the Lions' defensive coordinator, attention shifted to who would fill the spot at offensive coordinator. Rumors began circulating that Marinelli had his eye on former St. Louis Rams head coach Mike Martz.

"One thing I like about him is that he is a winner," said Marinelli. "That man has won and he knows how to move the football. The thing that is really impressive when he was with the Rams, was his ability to run the football. If you look back; three of his years, 1999, 2000 and 2001, they led the league as far as yards-per-carry, not total yards, but when you carry; they did a great job with that.

"Obviously we know what he can do with the football, but he is a winner. He has won and he is a champion."