Record 7–9 Playoff finish did not qualify Start date 1989 Owner William Clay Ford Sr. | Division place 3rd NFC Central Head coach Wayne Fontes General manager Russ Thomas Home field Silverdome | |
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The 1989 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 60th season in the National Football League, their 56th as the Detroit Lions.
This season was considered the beginning of the Barry Sanders era at Pontiac Silverdome. Considered one of the greatest draft choices ever, Barry Sanders was drafted 3rd overall by the Lions.
The Lions' divisional rival, the Green Bay Packers had the second pick overall but they passed on Sanders. Instead, they opted for Tony Mandarich.
After starting the season with two wins and nine losses, the Lions won five in a row to finish the season with seven victories and nine losses, which was nonetheless their sixth consecutive season with more losses than wins. Sanders did not disappoint as he was named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.