Mariucci leads Lions' rebuilding effort

Steve Mariucci isn't the only new face in Detroit this season. Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images

By B. Duane Cross, SI.com

Detroit has 22 players, including five signed from other teams, on its roster who were drafted in Rounds 1-3. The Lions also have 17 undrafted free agents. And the point is: It takes all kinds to turn around a franchise.

After rejuvenating San Francisco following a salary-cap mandated purge, first-year Detroit head coach Steve Mariucci has a firm grasp on what lies ahead. Mooch was cut loose from the 49ers after the 2002 season, ending a 60-43 tenure that included four postseason berths. Mariucci was 25-7 in his first two years with the Niners, but after having to cut several players -- including future hall of famer Jerry Rice -- San Francisco slipped to 4-12 and 6-10 in 1999-2000. However, the 49ers rebounded with back-to-back playoff campaigns before the coach was dumped after losing in the Divisional playoffs to Tampa Bay last season.

Enter Lions GM Matt Millen with an offer for Mariucci to return to his native Michigan. Mariucci signed a five-year, $25 million contract in February to assume control of a team that was a woeful 5-27 the past two seasons under Marty Mornhinweg.

The Lions' roster has several key skill players already in place, namely second-year QB Joey Harrington and RBs James Stewart and Shawn Bryson. Toss in first-round draft choice Charles Rogers and TE Mikhael Ricks, and Detroit has the makings of a solid offense.

The line is young (with the exception of veteran G Ray Brown, who is entering his 18th year), and Az-zahir Hakim is back after an injury-shortened season.

Defensively, there's room for improvement, but a move is under foot to solidify the unit. Linebackers Wali Rainer and Earl Holmes and CBs Dré Bly and Chris Watson were signed during the offseason to improve the NFL's 31st-ranked defense. Also, the draft yielded LB Boss Bailey and DE Cory Redding.

At the news conference to announce Mariucci's hiring, Millen said of the Lions' new head coach, "He has been a winner at every level. He has tremendous experience in this league and brings unique qualities to our team. Specifically, his ability to guide the 49ers through significant roster adjustments is very impressive.

"His offensive system is one that we already have in place which certainly is a plus for our football team in general and some of our young offensive players in particular."

Let the rebuilding begin.

 

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