The Detroit Lions are set to lose a key member of their front office just ahead of the 2025 NFL Combine. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Director of Scouting Advancement Mike Martin is departing to take on the role of general manager at Notre Dame.
With the rise of NIL and a transfer portal that functions similarly to free agency in the NFL, Martin is expected to help head coach Marcus Freeman implement a professional-style model in South Bend.
Martin joined the Lions four years ago at the start of the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell era and played a vital role in the team’s draft success. Holmes frequently credited him as an integral part of the scouting and roster-building process.
Before his time in Detroit, Martin spent three seasons (2018-2020) as an area scout for the Carolina Panthers. Prior to that, he worked for the Houston Texans for 11 years, advancing to assistant director of college scouting. His career also includes stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2003-2006) and the Tennessee Titans, where he got his start as an intern in 2002.
The Lions’ website described Martin’s role as a key figure in enhancing both college and pro scouting efforts. Over the past four drafts, Detroit has selected six Pro Bowlers and three All-Pros, solidifying their reputation as one of the best drafting teams in the league.
Another Front Office Departure for Detroit
While much of the offseason attention has focused on the Lions losing assistant coaches, their front office has also been a target for other teams. Martin is the latest departure in a growing trend.
Last year, the Washington Commanders hired away two key front office members: Senior Director of Player Personnel Lance Newmark and Senior Director of Football Administration Brandon Sosna.
In 2023, the Arizona Cardinals brought in Assistant Director of College Scouting Dave Sears as their assistant general manager. Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer Mike Disner has been pursued for GM roles but has opted to stay in Detroit.
Despite Martin’s departure, the Lions will not receive compensatory draft picks since the NFL’s “Rooney Rule” does not extend to minority candidates hired for college positions.
