Just when you thought we'd only have to see random glimpses of Matt Millen on ESPN's coverage of college football, and in-studio for as a commentator on the NFL, the former Lions president/GM will be back in the booth calling NFL games this fall.

The NFL Network announced Monday that Millen would be joining its "Thursday Night Football" telecasts, replacing Cris Collinsworth as color commentator. The Lions are not scheduled to appear on any NFL Network games.

Millen, of course, was a successful NFL color analyst for both CBS and Fox before his disastrous, eight-year run with the Lions, which culiminated in his firing last season in the midst of the league's first-ever 0-16 season.

In a teleconference Monday, Millen reportedly admitted to his failures with the Lions, but praised the organization for its offseason moves — including an endorsement for No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford.

Of the Millen hire, NFL Network executive producer Eric Weinberger was quoted in several publications as saying, "To have Matt available and not having him do NFL games this year would just cheat the fan."

Apparently, that's where Millen's expertise kicks in.