The Detroit Lions are facing a major shift in leadership. Team President and CEO Rod Wood announced he is stepping down, leaving the franchise to chart a new course for its future.

“I want to thank the Ford Family and ultimately Lions fans everywhere for trusting me to lead the Detroit Lions for the last 11 seasons. It has been an absolute thrill for me to lead this organization, and I am proud of what we have accomplished over that decade-plus. I am most proud of where I am leaving this organization, in the capable hands of Sheila Hamp, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.”

Wood joined the Lions in 2025 after a three-decade career in finance and wealth management, which includes a 10-year stint as the head of Ford Estates, the Ford family office. And the man has done so much for the NFL Franchise as well in his 11 years.

He oversaw upgrades to the Lions’ home stadium, Ford Field, including a $100 million renovation. The upgrades helped elevate Ford Field as a premier NFL venue. It set attendance records in 2017, including six standing-room-only games and a new total attendance mark of 513,100.

During his tenure, the Lions became one of the NFL’s highest winning teams over several seasons. This includes historic records like a 15-2 regular-season and back-to-back NFC North division titles. Rod Wood had such an impact that he was named Grand Marshal of the 2025 Detroit Grand Prix.

Lions principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp thanked Wood for his contributions. "He has been a trusted advisor and passionate leader for our organization and the entire NFL during that time and has prepared our organization for a promising future."

The Lions will be stepping into the 2026 season under new leadership. Until then, Wood will remain with the team.

Detroit Lions Might Have the Replacement for Rod Wood Ready

Sheila Ford Hamp also said in her statement, "While Rod will be missed, we are excited to work with Russell Reynolds Associates to find the next dynamic leader of our business." The next leader might be in their building.

NFL Experts have said that the Chief Operating Officer of the Lions, Mike Disner, can succeed Wood. In 2026, he will be completing 20 years in the NFL and his 8th with the Detroit Lions. So there is no lack of experience and unfamiliarity with the team there.

In May 2022, the Franchise named him their Chief Operating Officer after he previously served as Senior Vice President of Football and Business Administration. Is it time for the Detroit Lions to give him another promotion?

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar