The 2001 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 72nd season in the National Football League (NFL). Marty Mornhinweg was named the 21st head coach in franchise history on January 21, 2001, after owner William Clay Ford Sr. controversially fired 2000 interim coach Gary Moeller.
The season began with much optimism, with the Lions hoping to improve on their 9âÂÂ7 record from 2000; however, the Lions were extremely disappointing and had the worst start to an NFL season since the 1986 Indianapolis Colts began 0âÂÂ13. They were widely believed to be likely to suffer the NFLâÂÂs first 0âÂÂ16 season before they defeated the Minnesota Vikings. Prior to that, they had lost an NFL record nine consecutive games by eight points or less.
Seven seasons later, the Lions went 0âÂÂ16 after a week 17 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
This was the final season that the Lions played at the Pontiac Silverdome before moving to Ford Field the following season, as well as the final season for the NFC Central Division, which would dissolve following the NFL's realignment in 2002, although all NFC Central teams except the Tampa Bay Buccaneers formed the new NFC North Division.
The Lions closed the Silverdome by defeating the Dallas Cowboys 15âÂÂ10 in the regular season finale. Coincidentally, the Cowboys defeated the Lions 36âÂÂ10 in the first regular season game at the Silverdome (then known as Pontiac Metropolitan Stadium) in 1975.
This would also be the first season under new general manager Matt Millen, as he would be the team's general manager for the next six seasons and first 3 games of the 2008 season. This would start a stage of futility for the Lions, as they would fail to post a winning record with Millen as general manager.
Quarterback Ty Detmer made his first start for the Lions, ending the game with seven interceptions. Despite this, the Lions' defense kept the game somewhat close, picking off Cleveland quarterback Tim Couch twice, including a 26-yard pick six by cornerback Terry Fair.