The Detroit Lions are losing an important member of their front office just ahead of the 2025 NFL Combine. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Mike Martin, the Director of Scouting Advancement, is leaving to take on the role of general manager at Notre Dame.

Schefter added that, in an era where NIL and the transfer portal operate like pro free agency in college sports, Martin will assist head coach Marcus Freeman in “bringing an NFL model to South Bend.”

Martin has been with the Lions for the past four seasons, joining at the start of the Brad Holmes-Dan Campbell regime. Holmes often credited Martin as a crucial part of the draft process.

Before joining Detroit, Martin spent three years (2018-2020) with the Carolina Panthers as an area scout. Prior to Carolina, Martin worked 11 seasons with the Houston Texans in various roles, eventually becoming assistant director of college scouting. He also spent four seasons (2003-2006) with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and began his career as an intern with the Tennessee Titans in 2002.

The Lions’ website described Martin’s role as working “with the college and pro personnel staff to improve the scouting and roster-building processes.” Over the past four drafts, the Lions have selected six Pro Bowlers and three All-Pros, a testament to their successful drafting.

Lions lose another front office member
This offseason’s headline has been the number of assistant coaches the Lions have lost. However, success often attracts attention from other teams, and Martin is the latest to be poached.

Just last offseason, the Washington Commanders hired two members of the Lions’ front office (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. Chief Operating Officer Mike Disner has been pursued for general manager roles but has remained with the Lions.

It’s important to note that the Lions will not receive compensatory picks for Martin’s departure to a general manager role. The “Rooney Rule” does not apply to minority candidates hired at the college level.