Martha Ford in letter to season ticket holders: 'You deserve better'

Owner Martha Ford sent a letter to Detroit Lions season ticket holders about the state of the team.

The Lions (1-7) fired General Manager Martin Mayhew and Team President Tom Lewand last week after three offensive coaches were axed a week earlier. 

A letter Ford sent has surfaced in which she says the fans deserve better.

"Dear Lions Family,

After the events of last week, I felt it was important to reach out to you.

I am sure you share my disappointment with what has transpired so far this season with our football team.  We all had expectations that we would improve on last year's success, but that obviously has not happened.

The organizational changes I made last week reflect not only our disappointment with this season, but also underscore our commitment to each of you.

You deserve much better.  Your support, loyalty and passion for the Lions over the years has been nothing short of remarkable.  You have done your part.  Now we must do our part.  You deserve a Lions football team that is a consistent winner and one that competes for championships. 

In order to achieve this, we will conduct a thorough and exhaustive national search for the very best people to lead our organization. 

I also want you to know that we are not giving up on this season.  As I told the media last week and our players and coaches on Monday, we expect our team to improve, compete, and win.

Thank you again for your continued support of the Lions and please know that giving you a championship football team is the singular goal for me and my family."