Buffalo Bills hire Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator
By Josh Sanchez
The Buffalo Bills needed to replace former defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who left the team earlier this week to take the head coaching job with the Cleveland Browns. Finding a quality coordinator at this stage in the game can be a bit difficult, but the Bills were able to hit a home run.
According to reports, the Bills have hired former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz to take control of their defense.
From Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network:
The #Bills announce they’ve agreed to terms with DC Jim Schwartz, former Lions coach. Tough to make a better hire there.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2014
“We are excited to add a talented and accomplished coordinator in Jim Schwartz to our staff,” said Bills head coach Doug Marrone in a statement. “Schwartz has led aggressive and productive defensive units throughout his time in the NFL and we feel our defense will continue to improve under his leadership.”
What will be interesting to see is whether or not Schwartz brings a 4-3 system with him or if he will work with the team’s current talent which is better suited for the 3-4 scheme.
Whatever Schwartz’s decision turns out to be, the Bills will be moving forward without skipping a beat on their coaching staff.