Detroit Lions

Accorsi compares Lions GM Quinn to JFK, Bill Belichick

Published Jan. 10, 2016 10:30 p.m. ET

foxsports

Bob Quinn is the new general manager of the Detroit Lions, and NFL consultant Ernie Accorsi believes this may be the job he was born to do.

Accorsi, who assisted the Lions in their hunt for a new GM, compared Quinn to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Via Lions senior writer Tim Twentyman:

I remember when I was just a college student, I listened to the (presidential) debates in 1960 and my first impression of John Kennedy was this guy’s been preparing to be president since he was eight years old. He just knew exactly what he wanted to do when he took office.

I had that same impression when I interviewed (Bill) Belichick (back in the late 1980's).

(Quinn) was so prepared. He knew exactly what he wanted to do. How he wanted to do it. Not only his knowledge of the game. Not only his track record as an evaluator. He just knew what it takes to win it.

Quinn, 39, replaces interim GM Sheldon White, who stepped into the role after Martin Mayhew was fired in the middle of the 2015 season. He comes over from New England's personnel department, which may explain why Accorsi sees some Belichick in him.

After a 7-9 season, including six wins in the last eight games, the Lions already have some potential for the future. Quinn must settle the head-coaching situation -- either move forward with Jim Caldwell or move on -- then bring in the right talent to complement the players he's inheriting.

If Quinn helps the Lions bounce back in 2016, Accorsi's words will prove to be prophetic.