DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 28: Former Detroit Lions Barry Sanders talks with Head Coach Matt Patricia prior to the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on November 28, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)DETROIT – The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday that Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders will serve as an advisor and participate in interviews for the team’s general manager and head coach search. Spielman will report directly to President and CEO Rod Wood and participate in interviews for the team’s general manager and head coach search. Hopefully Sanders’ presence can help this once-storied NFL franchise get some kind of winning spirit back. More: Detroit Lions news

WORTHINGTON, OH - DECEMBER 06: Chris Spielman addresses students as Muscle Milk teams up with Chris Spielman to support high school athletics at Thomas Worthington High School on December 6, 2011 in Worthington, Ohio. (Photo by Greg Bartram/WireImage)DETROIT – Former Detroit Lions linebacker and Fox NFL analyst Chris Spielman is joining the organization’s front office. “Chris Spielman has been a tremendous ambassador for the Detroit Lions since the day he first put on a uniform as a rookie in 1988,” reads a statement from Chairman Sheila Hemp Ford. PONTIAC, MI - DECEMBER 17: Linebacker Chris Spielman of the Detroit Lions looks on from the field after a game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Pontiac Silverdome on December 17, 1994 in Pontiac, Michigan. More: Detroit Lions news