Well, he'll get the Lions to the playoffs in a year or two. But I don't know if he can take them further - he lacks the killer instinct of a John Gruden. I liked him here, but I'm not all that sorry the Niners let him go. His conservative play-calling blew a number of big leads over the last two years.
Here in Michigan, he will be respected- because he's a homeboy- and the fans will love him. The Lions just need a shot of life into the organization. And Steve Mariucci will be that shot.