How Do You Market the 0-16 Detroit Lions Next Year?

Yesterday, the 2008 Detroit Lions completed the worst season in NFL history.  Before now, no NFL team had ever achieved the dubious record of 0-16. This is correct; the 2008 Lions did not win a single game. Nevertheless, the team will be back in 2009. Hopefully,  the Lions will not repeat their 2008 record of 0-16.  But more importantly, from a business prospective, how do you market the Detroit Lions in 2009?

Start with the Star Player!

From my perspective, there is only one player on the Detroit Lions with star appeal. That individual is WR Calvin Johnson who finished the 2008 NFL season with over 1,300 receiving yards and 12 TDs.  Besides Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ organization does not have another player that the rest of the country would be interested in seeing in a TV commercial. Therefore, the Lions must put Calvin Johnson on all of their ads to sell season tickets and to sell advertising spots in 2009.

A Brand Name Coach

No one was surprised that the Detroit Lions fired Head Coach Rod Marinelli. Then again, it was the worst single season in NFL history, and no NFL team, since the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has managed to lose all of its regular season games.  In the 1976 Buccaneers’ defense, it was their first year in the NFL, and they played only 14 games.

The Lions need to hire a head coach with “name value,” like Marty Schottenheimer, who once coached the Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers. But, regardless of who the Lions’ hire, it cannot be a coach no one has heard of; otherwise, the Detroit Lions may not sell out another football game until 2012.

Lower Ticket Prices

It would be unwise for the Detroit Lions to raise tickets prices, next year. Lower ticket prices and a better win-loss record in 2009 will help the Lions to regain the support of their fans.  It would be genius if the Detroit Lions decide to give away preseason tickets that they cannot sell.  Also, the organization needs to offer the first 40,000 fans, even during preseason, a gift such as an autographed football signed by WR Calvin Johnson.

No Holdouts and Win Some Games Next Year

No player on the Detroit Lions should holdout during next year's training camp.  It would be horrible for public relations.  Not to mention, no one would care if that player ever signs with the organization.  But more importantly, the Detroit Lions need to win some games next season.  It would be wonderful if they could make the playoffs, next season, but most people would be happy with a record of 6-10.

Analysis

It is not impossible to market the Detroit Lions in 2009. However, it will be a difficult task.  On a brighter note, the Lions have a star football player in WR Calvin Johnson, and they could really help themselves by hiring a well-known head coach, such as Marty Schottenheimer or Bill Cowher, to help market the team.