Martha Ford, the widow of William Clay Ford Sr., will inherit the Detroit Lions. Their son Bill Ford Jr. will remain the team’s vice chairman.
The Lions announced on Monday, a day after the death of Ford Sr., that Martha Ford will inherit controlling interest in the team.
“Pursuant to long-established succession plans, Mr. Ford’s controlling interest in Lions passes to Mrs. Martha Ford. She and her four children will continue to be involved in the ownership of the franchise, as they have during Mr. Ford’s tenure,” the team said in a statement.
Bill Ford Jr., who has played an increasingly prominent role in the Lions, will likely be the public face of team ownership. The Lions are not expected to make any significant changes in the front office.