Thu Jan 3 17:17:28 2008

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Lions name Colletto new offensive coordinator

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Allen Park, MI (Sports Network) - One day after firing Mike Martz from his post as offensive coordinator, the Detroit Lions announced the promotion of Jim Colletto from his former position as offensive line coach, naming him Martz's replacement.

Colletto brings 41 years of coaching experience as he inherits the play- calling duties, having served eight seasons as an offensive line coach in the NFL, 11 seasons as a college head coach and 17 seasons as an offensive coordinator on the collegiate level.

"Jim is an excellent football coach," said Lions head coach Rod Marinelli. "He knows what it takes to win in this league and I am confident that he will do a tremendous job leading our offense. His appointment allows us to maintain continuity in our offense, which is important to our players."

Detroit, which started the 2007 season 6-2 before losing seven of its last eight down the stretch to finish a disappointing 7-9, also promoted Kippy Brown to assistant head coach/passing game coordinator, and Shawn Jefferson to wide receivers coach.

Colletto, meanwhile, will have the full offensive responsibility for the first time since he was offensive coordinator at Notre Dame in 1998. He will be expected to improve a unit which failed to score more than 14 points three times during the six-game losing streak that ultimately sealed Martz's fate.