Lions' owner Martha Ford firmly in control of franchise, son says

The Detroit Lions ownership situation has become more clear this week with vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. saying he's taken a step back from the franchise, while his mother has taken control.

"She is (in charge)," Ford Jr. said Friday on WJR Radio. "She is, and since my dad died, I've been less involved with the Lions and the NFL. She is very much in charge, and she's got the decision-making role."

William Clay Ford Sr. died in March 2014 after owning the Lions for over 50 years. Bill Jr., who was heavily involved in the day-to-day operation of the team for years, was expected to step in to his father's role.

The news seems to jive with head coach Jim Caldwell's statements earlier in the week stating that Martha Ford would be lobbying the owners' meetings on behalf of the franchise over controversial calls that have gone against the team.

"Don't think that Mrs. Ford is not upset." Caldwell said during a Thursday interview with 97.1 FM. "Don't think she doesn't give them a piece of her mind because she's there at the league meetings yesterday. Without question, that's done."