PONTIAC, Mich., Jan. 13 -- The Detroit Lions have named Bobby Ross their new coach replacing Wayne Fontes, who was fired at the end of the regular season. Terms of contract were not announced but ESPNEWS said Monday Ross agreed to a five-year deal worth $7.5 million.
Ross resigned as coach of the San Diego Charges Jan. 3, two years after taking the Chargers to the Super Bowl, citing 'philosophical differences' with general manager Bobby Beathard. Ross, who interviewed for head coaching jobs with the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons, compiled a 47-33 record in his five years at San Diego. Under Ross, the Chargers were 3-3 in playoff games, including a 49-26 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX. Before taking over in San Diego, Ross guided Georgia Tech to a share of college football's national championship in 1990. Fontes was fired Dec. 26 after eight-plus seasons as coach. He took the Lions to the playoffs in four of the last six years, but had just one playoff victory.
