Published: September 24, 2008 08:00 pm      

Mike Eckert: Millen gone, Ford still there

Wednesday's firing of Matt Millen was no doubt a cause for celebration for Lions fans, but don't plan any parades just yet.

The blame for Detroit's abysmal showing this decade certainly fell on Millen, but should be shared with team owner William Clay Ford.

Ford was apparently alright with giving Millen chance after chance after chance. He was okay with hiring and firing coaches practically every other year and he was okay with drafting four wide receivers in the first round. In fact, he was okay with bringing on Millen -- a former player and TV broadcaster without a day of front office experience -- in the first place.

Fact remains that the Lions have just one playoff win under Ford's ownership, and more losing seasons than one can keep track of. Chances are, if he hires the next team president, it will just be Millen 2.0. Or Russ Thomas Vol. 6.

It's time for Ford to hand the team over to his son, pack up his office and ride off into the sunset in his Model-T.