Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz looks on during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Lions 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills said they had a plan if Mike Pettine was to leave and it looks like they have executed it. Just announced Jim Schwartz will be this team’s new defensive coordinator.
Coming to this team he will have the experience as he’s been in the league for some time now. Jim Schwartz known throughout the league for his time with the Titans as their defensive coordinator (01-08) and most recently the head coach of the Lions. After being relieved of his duties many believed he would be given another chance to get back in the league and the Bills are that team.
During his time with the Titans Schwartz had his ups and downs. His defensive stats were all over the place but managed a respectable unit a majority of the time. In his time there he had three top 10 defenses and also was a part of two division titles (2002, 2008).
His head coaching stint is where fans are going to remember him most. Leading the Lions from 2009 to 2013 it seemed like Schwartz never really was able to figure it out. He encountered bad season after season with the exception of the 2011 campaign where he reached the playoffs. Many believed he just couldn’t figure it out as he did have talent on that club. This season many thought that the Lions were going to go far in the playoffs and also after what happened to Aaron Rodgers it seemed like a guarantee but it wasn’t the case. A complete collapse caused them to not even reach the playoffs and in the end be the demise of Schwartz.
So as we will wait to hear from Jim the Bills have nabbed their guy and will get ready for next season. It will be interesting to see how this defense will look and what changes come because of it. He does have the reputation of running the 4-3 defense and with this teams mold it will fit nicely. Jim Schwartz to me looked to always be a defensive coordinator and the head coaching gig may have hurt his image but I think he will be good. Time will tell but I think it’s a good sign.
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