The Lions added veteran NFL executive Jimmy Raye III as Senior Personnel Executive late last week, league sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Raye most recently served as the Texans’ assistant GM but was fired in April.
In his new role, Raye will work directly with GM Bob Quinn, Rapoport hears. Raye was “highly coveted” in league circles, so this is a solid get for Detroit as they build out the front office.
Raye climbed the ladder in Houston and become the team’s assistant GM when Brian Gaine left to join the Bills as their vice president of player personnel. When Gaine returned to Houston to take over for former GM Rick Smith, he cleaned house and fired five executives, including Raye.
Although Gaine was displaced in Houston, his experience was valued elsewhere in the league. Raye spent 17 years as a scout and executive with the Chargers, later served as vice president of player operations with the Colts, and has been a GM candidate for several clubs – including the Texans – in recent years.
Last year, the Lions missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record. Now under the guidance of a new head coach, they’ll look to get on the right track in 2018.
Jimmy Raye III, Jim Bob Cooter… this an NFL franchise or a NASCAR committee?