Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Detroit Lions last night fired their coach, Wayne Fontes, after eight seasons, making him the sixth NFL head coach to lose his job since the end of the season.
Fontes' firing ended a tumultuous era in Lions' history - his job had been on the line for at least three years. Fontes, who had one year left on his contract, goes out with more victories than any coach in Lions history. Yet he also lost more games than any other Lions coach, compiling a record of 67-71, including 5-11 this year. He was only 1-4 in the NFL playoffs, and that, as much as anything, led to his downfall.
"Don't feel sorry for me," Fontes said in an unexpected appearance after owner William Clay Ford made the announcement. "It's a chapter in my life that's over." He had kind words for the man who made the final decision, calling Ford "the best owner in the National Football League."
The other NFL coaches to lose their jobs in the past week were Rich Kotite of the New York Jets, Dan Reeves of the New York Giants, Rich Brooks of the St Louis Rams, June Jones of the Atlanta Falcons and Mike White of the Oakland Raiders.
The Lions closed the 1995 season with a seven-game winning streak, then lost 58-37 to the Philadelphia Eagles in an NFC wild-card game. It was downhill after that.
Following that loss, Ford said he expected more. "It's winning play-off games," Ford said. "How far we go, I couldn't tell you. We've got to get beyond the first step of the play-offs."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments