Detroit Lions President Rod Wood to Retire Before 2026 NFL Season

Wood has led the Lions organization since 2015 and will stay on to assist with the search for his successor.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Detroit Lions president and CEO Rod Wood has announced that he will retire before the start of the 2026 NFL season after leading the organization for the past 11 years. Wood thanked the Ford family and Lions fans for their trust and said he is proud of the team's accomplishments during his tenure. Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp praised Wood's dedication and commitment, and the team will immediately begin searching for his replacement.

Why it matters

Rod Wood's retirement marks a significant transition for the Detroit Lions as they look to build on recent progress and continue improving the team's on-field performance and business operations. The new president will play a crucial role in shaping the franchise's future direction.

The details

Wood became the Lions' president in November 2015 and oversaw the team's football and business operations. During his time leading the organization, the Lions have aimed to return to consistent playoff contention after years of struggles. The team will now conduct a search to find Wood's successor, who will work closely with general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell.

  • Rod Wood announced his retirement on February 18, 2026.
  • Wood will remain with the organization throughout the hiring process for his replacement.

The players

Rod Wood

The retiring president and CEO of the Detroit Lions, who has led the organization since 2015.

Sheila Ford Hamp

The owner of the Detroit Lions, who praised Wood's dedication and commitment to the team and city.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who will work closely with the new team president.

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, who will also collaborate with the incoming team president.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Rod Wood, Retiring President and CEO, Detroit Lions (ESPN)

“The entire Ford family would like to thank Rod for his dedication and commitment to the Detroit Lions and the city of Detroit. Rod 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. While Rod will be missed, we are excited to work with Russell Reynolds Associates to find the next dynamic leader of our business.”

— Sheila Ford Hamp, Owner, Detroit Lions (ESPN)

What’s next

The Lions plan to immediately begin searching for Rod Wood's replacement as team president, with the goal of having a new leader in place before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Rod Wood's retirement marks the end of an era for the Detroit Lions, but also presents an opportunity for the franchise to identify a new leader who can build on the progress made during Wood's tenure and guide the team towards sustained success on and off the field.