A fired-up Lions GM Brad Holmes promises fans ‘It’s only going to get better’

After the Detroit Lions’ extremely successful 2023 season, general manager Brad Holmes made a bold statement during the team’s post-season press conference.

Holmes gave fans a completely different message than coach Dan Campbell did following the team’s loss in the NFC Championship, who cautioned that the trip back to the Conference Championship would not be assured and might perhaps be twice as difficult.

“Do not worry, things will only get better. We will only grow better, stated Holmes. “I want no one to believe that this was a wonderful, one-time event akin to Cinderella’s trip. No, it is true. This is precisely what was intended to occur. I recognize that you are in a season like this, and it is simple, given the historical evidence of prior events. I get the impression that this was a sort of one-shot, lucky, magical, cute story—something I am sick of hearing. None of that applied.

In his third-ever end-of-season conference, Holmes radiated confidence. In fact, he practically called out a few media representatives for having doubts early in his press conference. He thought back to his first NFL Draft in 2021.

“Looking back, not many people in this room were happy with those picks,” Holmes remarked. You asked us to select a quarterback, Dave Birkett. You objected to Penei Sewell being our choice. People were against us selecting a wide receiver in the fourth round. Nobody wanted to wait for the next Derrick Barnes to emerge. The general manager of the Lions did not do this to make fun of or take advantage of the media. Although at times it felt like he was playing “I told you so” to the media, he emphasized he was not trying to do that. However, it was evident that he wanted to let listeners and fans know how confident he is in his approach, especially when it comes to the franchise’s long-term viability.

“Every decision Dan and I make is intended to support the project we are working on. Every action, said Holmes. And I will add that everything we do or do not do is aimed at maintaining the foundation we have been laying. It is true.

Look, everything we are doing is intended to mainstream it. This will help to normalize it.

This is an attempt to make it more common. Dan’s travels became commonplace. In the places I have gone, it is accepted. We are here for that reason.

Holmes’ role obviously changes—some would even say it becomes more difficult—now that the club is strong and full of more skill. Now that his first, outstanding draft class is qualified for larger raises and new contracts, Holmes will have to find a different approach to balancing the budget. With no more money from the Matthew Stafford deal and to pick later in each round instead of first, Detroit will need to draft effectively with fewer resources.

Holmes, though, does not seem to be afraid of the upcoming changes. He is so sure that he is already demonstrated his ability to adapt. Unquestionably, his first draft class his greatest to date—consisting merely of a compensation third-round pick from the Stafford deal as the only additional pick. Holmes was able to locate starters Alim McNeill and Ifeatu Melifonwu late on Day 2, as well as All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the fourth round. Holmes also cited 2021 as an example of when they signed players like Kalif Raymond and Alex Anzalone with very little money, in case the budget becomes tight as a result of internal player contracts.

Holmes stated, “We will still pick the guys and football players for us.” In actuality, nothing changes. Will things change? Sure, it will be different, and perhaps there will not be as many expensive outside advertisements, but it is not necessary just yet. We will just continue according to our schedule and carry on as usual. I believe it has demonstrated to be effective for us thus far.

The return of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will aid the Lions in maintaining their current level of success. Holmes concurred that they had a better chance of maintaining the team’s success now that they are back.

It is all of it. Continuity is crucial, according to Holmes. They make excellent coaches. They are highly intelligent, excellent instructors, trainers, developers, and leaders who fit in this place. We are lucky. We are a stronger team now that they are back, so I am happy about that.

Holmes exuded confidence throughout the entire news conference, which is definitely worth seeing. Below, you can watch it: