The Detroit News Appointed Naila-Jean Meyers Sports Editor
The veteran journalist brings over 25 years of experience to the sports desk at The Detroit News.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in People
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The Detroit News has officially named Naila-Jean Meyers as its new sports editor. Meyers steps into the role to succeed former editor Jim Russ.
Why it matters
This appointment brings a seasoned editorial leader to the Detroit sports media landscape following her tenure at the Minnesota Star Tribune. Her arrival marks a significant leadership transition for the news organization.
Meyers possesses more than 25 years of professional journalism experience. She previously spent 15 years on staff at The New York Times and holds a degree from Northwestern University.
The players
Naila-Jean Meyers
She is the newly appointed sports editor for The Detroit News who previously served as deputy sports editor at the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Jim Russ
He is the former sports editor at The Detroit News who is being succeeded by Naila-Jean Meyers.
The details
Meyers joins the team after serving as the deputy sports editor at the Minnesota Star Tribune, a position she held from 2020 until 2026. She also brings leadership experience from her time as president of the Associated Press Sports Editors during the 2023-24 term.
Timeline
Meyers graduated from Northwestern University in 2000.
Meyers began her tenure at the Minnesota Star Tribune in 2020.
Meyers served as president of the AP Sports Editors during the 2023-24 term.
The Detroit News announced her appointment on October 13, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition highlights the continued movement of experienced editorial leadership across regional metropolitan newspapers. Her appointment reflects a broader trend of publications recruiting veteran talent to oversee sports desk operations in an increasingly competitive media market.
Readers can expect shifts in the editorial direction and coverage priorities of the sports section at The Detroit News. These changes may alter the types of stories, depth of analysis, or specific athletes highlighted in future print and digital editions.
The takeaway
The appointment of a new sports editor often signals a shift in a publication's focus or tone regarding local and national sports coverage. Readers should watch for potential changes in the editorial voice of the sports section in the coming months.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Detroit News.
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