The Detroit Lions have found a rookie general manager after Brad Holmes ended a long association with the Los Angeles Rams to take the key post.
Holmes, 41, also assumes the position of executive vice president after leaving the Rams, where he served as director of college scouting.
He takes over the role that had stood vacant since Bob Quinn was fired on November 28, when head coach Matt Patricia was also dismissed.
A full-time successor to Patricia has yet to be appointed, but the key front office role is now filled as Holmes takes up his most senior post yet, reportedly on a five-year deal.
The Lions (5-11) finished bottom of the NFC North in 2020, as they now have for three consecutive seasons, and principal owner and chairman Sheila Ford Hamp said Holmes had made an immediately positive impression.
"On behalf of the entire Lions organisation, I am thrilled to welcome Brad Holmes to Detroit," she said.
"Several weeks ago, when we embarked on this process, it was critical that we find the right person to fit our vision for this team. It was evident early on that Brad is a proven leader who is ready for this opportunity. We are thrilled to introduce him to our fans as a member of our football family."
The Lions were reported to have considered an array of candidates, some of whom had GM experience in the NFL, including Thomas Dimitroff and Scott Pioli.
Rod Wood, the CEO and team president, said Holmes "stood out immediately" because of his commitment to using data to identify emerging talent.
"His abilities as a critical thinker, along with his extensive experience implementing technology and analytics into his approach to scouting, were among the many decisive qualities Brad displayed in our time getting to know him during the interview process," Wood said.
"We look forward to him helping lead our organisation as we take the next steps as a team."
Holmes had been with the Rams since joining as a public relations intern in 2003. He soon joined the scouting staff and was appointed in 2013 to the role he has vacated to switch allegiance.
The Rams will pick up a third-round draft pick for each of the next two years as compensation for losing Holmes, NFL.com said.