Detroit Lions could lose key front office member following 2023 season
The Detroit Lions are facing the prospect of a significant change in their front office, as assistant general manager Ray Agnew is set to participate in the NFL’s Front Office and General Manager Accelerator program. This initiative is aimed at fostering diversity and aiding front office members in advancing to higher roles, such as general manager positions.
“The NFL is committed to improving diversity throughout the league, and a large part of that is providing leadership opportunities to diverse candidates,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “The Accelerator Program provides our clubs and owners an opportunity to connect directly with some of the finest candidates in the league who they may not know. Our intent is that these efforts translate into more diversity in leadership roles across the league.”
“For the past several years, the NFL Front Office and General Manager program has played a key role in helping qualified diverse front office candidates develop relationships with owners and club leadership,” said Chicago Bears President & Chief Executive Officer Kevin Warren, member of the NFL Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. “The value of this initiative is both profound and powerful, and I look forward to encouraging participants to take full advantage of this unique educational networking and professional development opportunity.”
Agnew’s Journey
Having joined the Rams’ front office in 2017, Agnew played a pivotal role in building their 2018 NFC championship team and subsequent playoff teams. His move to the Lions in 2021, along with GM Brad Holmes, has been marked by exceptional performance. Agnew’s participation in this accelerator program indicates that his elevation to a general manager role could be imminent, either this offseason or in the near future. This potential advancement, while a testament to Agnew’s skills and the Lions’ success in nurturing talent, also poses the challenge of maintaining stability within the Lions’ front office structure.
2023 FRONT OFFICE & GENERAL MANAGER ACCELERATOR CANDIDATES
| Candidate | Team |
|---|---|
| Quentin Harris | Arizona Cardinals |
| Dwuane Jones | Atlanta Falcons |
| Mark Azevedo | Baltimore Ravens |
| David Blackburn | Baltimore Ravens |
| Malik Boyd | Buffalo Bills |
| Terrance Gray | Buffalo Bills |
| Samir Suleiman | Carolina Panthers |
| Adrian Wilson | Carolina Panthers |
| Ian Cunningham | Chicago Bears |
| Francis Saint Paul | Chicago Bears |
| Steven Radicevic | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Glenn Cook | Cleveland Browns |
| Catherine Raiche | Cleveland Browns |
| Brett Maxie II | Dallas Cowboys |
| Rich Hurtado | Denver Broncos |
| Kelly Kleine | Denver Broncos |
| Ray Agnew | Detroit Lions |
| Richmond Williams | Green Bay Packers |
| Lee Gissendaner | Green Bay Packers |
| Chris Blanco | Houston Texans |
| Regis Eller | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Tim Terry | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Dwyane Joseph | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Champ Kelly | Las Vegas Raiders |
| JoJo Wooden | Los Angeles Chargers |
| Ray Farmer | Los Angeles Rams |
| Reggie McKenzie | Miami Dolphins |
| Demitrius Washington | Minnesota Vikings |
| Steve Cargile | New England Patriots |
| Khai Harley | New Orleans Saints |
| Brandon Brown | New York Giants |
| Chad Alexander | New York Jets |
| Brian Shields | New York Jets |
| Ameena Soliman | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Charles Walls | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Sheldon White | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Tariq Ahmad | San Francisco 49ers |
| Josh Williams | San Francisco 49ers |
| DJ Hord | Seattle Seahawks |
| Jacqueline Davidson | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Kevin Turks | Tennessee Titans |
| Eric Stokes | Washington Commanders |
TL;DR (too long didn’t read)
- Ray Agnew, Detroit Lions’ assistant general manager, will attend the NFL’s Front Office and General Manager Accelerator program.
- Agnew’s significant contributions in former roles highlight his potential for a general manager position.
- His potential advancement could lead to changes in the Lions’ front office dynamic.
The Bottom Line – Agnew’s Ascendancy and Its Impact
The potential advancement of Ray Agnew in the NFL hierarchy is a significant development for the Detroit Lions. His participation in the Front Office and General Manager Accelerator program could lead to a notable shift in the Lions’ front office landscape. Agnew’s journey from a Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle to a key front office figure is a story of remarkable progression and skill.
While his possible move to a general manager position is a positive reflection of his abilities and the Lions’ success in fostering talent, it also brings forth the challenge of maintaining a robust and effective front office. As the Lions prepare for this potential transition, their ability to adapt and reinvent their management team will be crucial in sustaining their forward momentum and competitive edge in the league.
