Martha Firestone Ford's daughter taking over as Lions owner

The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday that Martha Firestone Ford is stepping down as the team's principal owner and chairman and allowing her daughter, Sheila Ford Hamp, to take on the roles.

Ford took over as owner when her husband William Clay Ford died in 2014, with Hamp acting as vice-chairman.

"My mother has inspired all of us since taking on leadership of the Lions over six years ago," Hamp said in a statement. "She has been a tireless leader to our family, our team, and our community. Her smart decisions have given me a solid foundation to take the team forward.

"On behalf of the family and the team, I want to thank her for her countless contributions. I look forward to leading the Lions to excellence on and off the field."

Hamp also serves on the NFL's Super Bowl and major events committee.

As Ford steps aside, she leaves behind a playoffs-or-bust mandate for head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn following a disappointing 2019 campaign.

Over the last six seasons, Detroit accumulated a 45-50-1 record and two playoff appearances in 2014 and 2016.