The Detroit Lions have agreed to terms on a three-year deal with unrestricted free agent wide receiver Mike Furrey. "This is a great day," Lions coach Rod Marinelli said Wednesday. "You want to reward men for performing for the Detroit Lions, so this contract sends a strong message to all of our players. Mike earned this, not just because of his play on the field, but because of his work ethic and character."

The Lions named Joe Barry, the son-in-law of coach Rod Marinelli, as their defensive coordinator on Wednesday. The hiring of Barry comes one day after the Lions fired defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson. Barry spent the last six years as linebackers coach of the Buccaneers. Marinelli had been the defensive line coach of the Buccaneers for 10 years before becoming Lions coach last January.

William Clay Ford, owner of the Lions, reportedly never considered firing GM Matt Millen. "I'll never quit," said Millen. "I can't do that. I don't even consider that. It's the way I'm made. You're given a job, regardless of what it is. Whatever your charge is, you do the job. "If it's not working, you keep on working at it until you get the freaking thing done. That's just what you do. You don't ever quit."

The Detroit Lions fired defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson and offensive line coach Larry Beightol on Tuesday, two days after finishing a 3-13 season. Lions coach Rod Marinelli announced the decisions at his final weekly press conference of the season.

Lions president Matt Millen, who is expected to meet with owner William Clay Ford later this week to evaluate the team's personnel and future, has been retained for a seventh season, according to a television report. Fox 2 Detroit reported Monday night that Millen will definitely be back for a seventh season. Millen, who has a 24-72 record in his first six seasons, still has four years left on the contract extension he was given last season.