Much, much more on this once I have time to wrap my mind around it, but it looks like the Matt Millen era has mercifully come to an end.

As stated many times before around here, Millen led the Lions to a 31-84 record after taking over as CEO and team president in 2001.

"Reports say that it is unclear if Millen was fired or removed himself from the equation, but the news comes just days after Bill Ford Jr. publicly stated he would have fired Millen if it were his decision but he lacked the authority to do so. The authority rested with his father, who has been the sole owner of the Lions since 1964.

Phone messages left for Millen, head coach Rod Marinelli and other team officials were not returned.

The Lions' 0-3 start this season stirred the groundswell for Millen's apparent demise. The Lions have won only one playoff game during Ford's tenure and are an NFL-worst 31-84 since Millen took over in 2001. Millen has gone through three head coaches, none of whom have been able to turn the Lions into a winner.

Although as of late morning no official word had come from the Lions regarding Millen, reports of his firing had fans excited.

People were driving past the team's headquarters, honking horns and cheering. One man in a pickup yelled, "Finally!" as he drove past the entrance.

Finally, indeed.