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.
"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."