(WXYZ) -- Detroit Lions Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders appeared on SiriusXM NFL Radio Wednesday to discuss his role in the team's search for a new head coach and general manager.
Sanders was named as a consultant for the search in December.
"You've got to have someone who can really reach the players, who can garner their respect, and can really get 'em to play hard and to compete," Sanders said Wednesday. "Guys who really speak to the players and meet 'em at their level. Obviously in any given locker room you have wide ranges of ages, and experiences, and talent levels...and even levels of motivation. So you've got to have someone who can really reach these guys and get 'em to understand it's a great opportunity to come into a program where maybe you haven't won, but you can establish that reputation."
During Wednesday's interview, Sanders praised the work of Chris Spielman, who joined the Lions front office in December as a special assistant to president and CEO Rod Wood.
"Chris has been around the game for many years," Sanders said. "I think we're in good hands as far as searching for a new head coach, and I support him in what he's doing. We've had conversations and he sounds like he has a good process, and a good handle on understanding who the real key players are in the college game and also who's available from the pro level."
