Since taking over as the Detroit Lions’ general manager in 2020, Brad Holmes has worked miracles. His bold and consequential moves have dramatically changed the direction of the team for the better. With an incisive football brain, he has focused his attention to scouting, drafting, and team-building philosophy. On top of that, he’s helped guide the team through a much-needed culture shift. Holmes speaks proudly of his experience as a new father to his young son, Ethan. While Evan does take this honorific title with gusto, he embraces the responsibilities and challenges that come with it.
Holmes came to the Lions on a long path that started with an internship in public relations back in 2003. He quickly climbed the ranks within the organization, eventually holding prominent positions in the scouting department. Later, he worked his way up to director of college scouting. He was instrumental in drafting cornerstones like quarterback Jared Goff, defensive tackle Aaron Donald, and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. This is a testament to his extraordinary skill at spotting and developing bright young talent.
In his short time with the Lions, he already made headlines last week after trading away Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, the Lions got Jared Goff and a hoard of valuable assets. This was a courageous step that underscored a desire to actually reshape the entire roster and culture of the franchise. Holmes brought in Ray Agnew and Mike Martin to prominent positions within his staff, with Martin leading the newly established scouting advancement department since 2021.
Holmes’ touching story further drives home the point that nothing beats plain old hard work. He often tells his scouts, “However, you slice it, whichever path you choose, it’s going to be hard.” In his mind, an unwavering attention to detail will serve as a foundation for long-term success, and shortcuts will ultimately come back to hurt you. “That shortcut may feel good in the short term, but life’s gonna catch up with you,” he noted.
Holmes is the third Black general manager in NFL history. He understands first hand the significance of representation in the league. With the five other Black GMs in the NFL, he has developed deep relations. He has been a strong advocate for HBCU initiatives. Holmes expressed pride in his roots in Detroit, stating, “I love that it’s here in Detroit, that’s a very diverse city. It’s a Black city. I love that we can be deeply rooted in our culture.”
Holmes makes no excuses for the weight of the office he assumes. “It’s a responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” he remarked, emphasizing his commitment to making a positive impact on the organization and its players. His leadership style is not just collaborative, it flourishes on collaboration and communication. He encourages candor and initiative as he pushes his team and himself to grow together.
The Lions have worn matching all-black jerseys featuring head coach Dan Campbell’s number 14 in 2024 as a tribute to team unity and their commitment to change. This effort is indicative of Holmes’s vision for a unified team culture that carries weight in the community.
Chris Grier, another prominent figure in NFL management, highlighted the unique challenges faced by Black executives in the league: “We’re all very conscious because we know we don’t get these opportunities often… but you try to do the best job for the organization.” Kwesi Adofo-Mensah echoed this sentiment, noting, “There’s a responsibility that comes with representation, especially in a space where people who look like us haven’t traditionally had many opportunities.”
In his time at the helm, Holmes has kept his sights set beyond simply defending his post. As such, he is passionate about building pipelines for the next generation of leaders. He stated, “So, what can we do on our part to give others opportunities to become a team president?” His vision is more than just hitting short-term targets. He wants to do that by inspiring and preparing the next generation of leaders in the sport.
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