Allen Park, MI -- (Sports Network) - Matt Millen has been relieved of his duties as president and CEO of the Detroit Lions.

Lions owner and chairman William Clay Ford made the announcement Wednesday.

"I believe that this decision is in the best interest of this organization," said Ford. "I appreciate Matt's efforts. Matt worked tirelessly during his tenure to win, and he would be the first one to tell you that you have to win in this league. It just didn't work out."

Millen had been in charge of the Lions since 2001. The team has produced an NFL-worst record of just 31-84 in that time, including 0-3 this season.

Detroit has been outscored 113-59 in three losses this season heading into this week's bye.

"I am very disappointed with where we are as a team after our start this season," Ford added. "Our sole focus now is preparing for our next game against Chicago. The entire organization must work together and do whatever we can to make this a successful season. Despite our record, it is still early and there is time to turn this season around."

Executive vice president and COO Tom Lewand will now report to Ford on all matters, while Martin Mayhew will take over the duties as general manager. In addition, Cedric Saunders has been named vice president of football operations.

"These decisions are for the duration of the 2008 season," Ford concluded. "Once the season is over, we will undergo a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of our entire football operation and put together a plan that we believe will transform this team into a winner."

The move comes just days after Bill Ford Jr., the son of William Clay Ford, stated publicly he would have fired Millen if the decision were his.

The Lions were in postseason contention last year after opening the campaign with a record of 6-2, but they stumbled to seven losses in their last eight games to finish 7-9 -- still the best record in Millen's tenure.