The Lions fired coach Steve Mariucci.
Former Chicago Bears coach Dick Jauron was named to succeed him on an interim basis.
Team president Matt Millen announced Mariucci's dismissal at an afternoon news conference. Millen says he believed Detroit was capable of making a playoff run this season, but hasn't lived up to expectations.
The Lions fell to 4-and-7 after losing 27-to-7 to Atlanta on the nationally televised Thanksgiving Day game.
Mariucci's record with the Lions was 15-and-28. He has more than two years remaining on the $25 million contract he signed in 2003.
Mariucci Gone