Giants hire ex-Lions GM Martin Mayhew

Martin Mayhew has a new job.

The New York Giants announced Thursday they were adding the former Lions general manager to their front office as director of football operations/special projects.

Mayhew fills the void in New York left when the Lions hired Matt Harriss, who had been director of football operations. Harriss will be the vice president of football administration in Detroit with a primary role in managing the salary cap.

Mayhew started working for the Lions in 2001 before becoming the interim GM in 2008 and taking over the role permanently in 2009.

The Lions lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 45-10, in London last November to fall to 1-7, which led to the dismissal of Mayhew and president Tom Lewand a few days later. The team went 6-2 after the firings to finish 7-9, and the Lions hired Rod Wood as president a couple weeks later and Bob Quinn as GM in January.

During Mayhew’s seven years as the chief decision-maker for personnel, the Lions went to the postseason twice and lost in the wild-card round both times.

Now, Mayhew will return to the NFC East where he spent 1989-92 as a cornerback for Washington.

jkatzenstein@detroitnews.com

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