It's Schefter...so take it for what it's worth.

[The Franchise]

Pioli’s hiring could lead to changes in Kansas City
Posted: January 13th, 2009 | Adam Schefter | Tags: Herman Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs, Scott Pioli

Now that the Chiefs have hired Scott Pioli, sweeping changes are expected to follow him to Kansas City.

The biggest is expected to be at head coach. There is a widespread feeling around the NFL that Pioli will not retain Chiefs coach Herman Edwards and instead will look to bring in his own coach.

If and when that happens — and it is considered a formality — one of Pioli’s leading candidates for his coach is expected to be Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who spent Monday interviewing with the Detroit Lions for a second time.

Schwartz and Pioli spent two years working together in 1995 and 1996 — one in Cleveland, one in Baltimore. Schwartz has the type of mind and work ethic that would appeal greatly to Pioli.
Had Josh McDaniels not agreed to become the Broncos head coach, there are many people who believe he would have been Pioli’s top choice to become Kansas City’s coach. But Denver hired McDaniels and now it’s possible that Schwartz could wind up in Kansas City.

http://blogs.nfl.com/category/adam-schefter/

[ChiefsCountry]

Schwartz also worked with Jeremy Bates with the Titans.

[eazyb81]

I'll be thrilled with Schwartz or Spags.

Just sign one of the ASAP and let's start building the rest of the coaching staff.

[KChiefs1]

My dream scenario!

Pioli/Schwartz

[DeezNutz]

With either of these HC options, it will be very interesting to see whom they would select as their OC.

[KChiefs1]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=1326&line=137892&spln=1

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD class=headline vAlign=top colSpan=3>Pioli to target Schwartz?

</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD bgColor=#ce0226 colSpan=3>Chiefs Defense (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=1326) - TM - KC (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/content/clubhouse_news.aspx?sport=NFL&majteam=KC) - Jan. 13 - 6:42 pm et </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>One of new GM Scott Pioli's "leading candidates" to be the Chiefs' next head coach is expected to be Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
If the Lions want Schwartz, they'll have to act fast. Pioli worked with him in Cleveland in the mid-90s and Schwartz probably can teach either the 3-4 or the 4-3 defense. Pioli will presumably want a 3-4 installed in Kansas City.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[warrior]

I'll be thrilled with Schwartz or Spags.

Just sign one of the ASAP and let's start building the rest of the coaching staff.

THIS :thumb:

[HemiEd]

With either of these HC options, it will be very interesting to see whom they would select as their OC.

I wouldn't mind them keeping Gailey, with the creativness he showed this year.

[Red Brooklyn]

since this whole thread is speculation... what do you guys think Chan's chances are of staying on as OC? Obviously, it depends on the HC. But if it's Schwartz, or Spag, or Hillary Swank big changes are coming. Does Chan stand a chance of surviving the over-haul? Does anyone want him to? Just curious what people are thinking...

[KChiefs1]

http://www.freep.com/article/20090113/SPORTS01/90113076/1048/sports/N.Y.+Times++Lions+candidate+Jim+Schwartz+is+the+Billy+Beane+of+the+NFL


N.Y. Times: Lions candidate Jim Schwartz is the Billy Beane of the NFL

FREE PRESS STAFF REPORTS

With the Lions' coaching buzz Monday surrounding Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, we decided to dig up the profile the New York Times did of him in November.

Here's a snippet of Judy Battista's story:

Schwartz, now the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, (has) an economics degree from Georgetown University, an abiding fascination with statistics and a preference for watching game film over television. That made him a kindred spirit with his first N.F.L. boss, Bill Belichick. But when Schwartz told Belichick his findings from an early N.F.L. research project almost 15 years ago, Belichick said he did not believe him.

“Fumbles are a random occurrence,” Schwartz said he told Belichick. “Being able to get interceptions or not throw interceptions has a high correlation with good teams. But over the course of a year, good teams don’t fumble any more or less than bad teams. Bill didn’t agree. He said, ‘No, good teams don’t fumble the ball.’ But actually, they fumble just as often as bad teams.” ...

Unorthodox thinking like that has earned Schwartz, 42, a reputation as one of the N.F.L.’s leading practitioners of statistical analysis — “Moneyball” for the shoulder-pad set. ... Belichick regards Schwartz as one of the smartest coaches he has been around. ...

But being known as a “stats guy” is not necessarily a compliment, because statistics do not hold the romantic place in football that they do in baseball. Although every coach uses plenty of data — the Titans’ Jeff Fisher tracks how long his team takes to break the huddle — football is unlikely to bestow statistics-driven celebrity on anyone the way the baseball book “Moneyball” did on Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics.

[The Franchise]

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/playerbreakingnews.asp?sport=NFL&id=1326&line=137892&spln=1

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 100%"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD class=headline vAlign=top colSpan=3>Pioli to target Schwartz?

</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD bgColor=#ce0226 colSpan=3>Chiefs Defense (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=NFL&id=1326) - TM - KC (http://www.rotoworld.com/content/content/clubhouse_news.aspx?sport=NFL&majteam=KC) - Jan. 13 - 6:42 pm et </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top colSpan=3>One of new GM Scott Pioli's "leading candidates" to be the Chiefs' next head coach is expected to be Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
If the Lions want Schwartz, they'll have to act fast. Pioli worked with him in Cleveland in the mid-90s and Schwartz probably can teach either the 3-4 or the 4-3 defense. Pioli will presumably want a 3-4 installed in Kansas City.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Fuck me. I hope we don't go to a 3-4.

[Mecca]

The odds of a new coach keeping anyone from this current staff is gonna be slim to none...especially after that 2-14.

[DeezNutz]

I wouldn't mind them keeping Gailey, with the creativness he showed this year.

Gailey definitely demonstrated that he can make some chicken salad, and there's no question that he's a high-quality coach, but I thinks it's very unlikely that this won't be a complete house cleaning.

[KChiefs1]

http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/01/jim_schwartz_makes_case_for_li.html

Jim Schwartz makes case for Lions' coaching job

by Tom Kowalski Monday January 12, 2009, 11:30 PM


http://blog.mlive.com/lions_impact/2009/01/small_schwartz13.jpg
Jim Schwartz


ALLEN PARK -- After making his case to the media to be the Detroit Lions' next coach, Jim Schwartz needed to convince an audience of one: Lions owner William Clay Ford.

Schwartz, who is the first candidate to take part in a second interview with the Lions, said he was scheduled to meet with Ford after his news conference Monday at the team's practice facility.

According to an NFL.com report, Detroit is expected to interview San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera on Tuesday and also might hold second interviews with New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Miami Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles, who also serves as the Dolphins' secondary coach.

Schwartz, 42, has spent 16 years in the NFL, the past eight years as Tennessee's defensive coordinator. He stressed his experience in working under such head coaches as Bill Belichick and Jeff Fisher.

"When you build a team in the NFC North, you've got to be built for January football, for December football," Schwartz said. "You've got to be big and strong and be able to run and stop the run. You're going to play an important game in Green Bay in December, or you're going to play an important game in Chicago in January, or in the Meadowlands. I think you need to be built that way."

Schwartz was with the Titans when Tennessee beat the Lions 47-7 on Thanksgiving Day. When asked what he thought about the Lions' roster, he said: "Obviously, some holes in the roster."

The Lions, who were 0-16 last season, have the first overall pick in the draft.

"The most important position on the team is quarterback, and it's probably time to find a replacement for Bobby Layne," said Schwartz, referring to Detroit's Hall of Fame quarterback from the 1950s. "Quarterback is the trump card of all positions in the NFL. If you've got a great quarterback, you can cover up a lot of other areas on your team. If you don't have a great quarterback, you've got to be really good in a lot of other areas."

Schwartz said if the Lions select a quarterback with that first overall pick -- or any player -- there would be no timetable on when that player might become a starter.
Schwartz's Titans have endured a quarterback controversy with young quarterback Vince Young having his struggles on and off the field and eventually being replaced by veteran Kerry Collins.

"It's hard to be a rookie and start at quarterback in the NFL," Schwartz said. "The biggest thing is that no two quarterbacks are alike. There are some who are ready to play right away and others that aren't. People always ask, when there's a young quarterback, do you play him right away or do you sit him on the bench. The answer is, it depends."

Two NFL teams, the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins, made drastic turnarounds after dismal seasons last year. Schwartz was careful not to predict too much of a rebound from the Lions' 0-16 season.

"You can't look too far ahead with that," he said. "The message to my team every year when we start training camp is that we have to get better every single day.

The most important thing is this next practice, the most important thing is this next meeting. Every year, we see quotes coming from other teams about the Super Bowl and it's training camp. The way you take care of that is get better in training camp and keep your eye on that. The end will take care of itself.

"The same thing applies if you talk about a quick turnaround, it's probably not going to happen. If you talk about getting better every single day, then you have a chance to be there."

[BigVE]

John Clayton on ESPN news said that Pioli's first likely coaching candidate would be Ferentz and if HE decides to stay where he's at then Spag's/Schwartz would be the next obvious choices for the same reasons others posted.

[KChiefs1]

http://www.freep.com/article/20090113/SPORTS01/90113004/1049/SPORTS01/Highlights+from+Jim+Schwartz+s+press+conference

Highlights from Jim Schwartz's press conference

FREE PRESS STAFF


Jim Schwartz had some interesting things to say at his press conference on Monday.




On what needs to be done: "You build teams to run the football and to stop the run. I know that Ford Field is a great place to play, but I think that when you start a team, particularly in the NFC North, you've got to be built for January football, December football."


On the QB position: "Quarterback is the trump card of all positions in the NFL. If you have a good quarterback, you can cover up a lot of other areas on your team."


On his impressions of the Lions' roster: "Obviously, some holes in the roster. No different, though, than probably half the teams in the NFL at this time of the year."

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

Schwartz has been the Titans' defensive coordinator the last eight seasons. A look at how the defense fared the past two:

<TABLE border=1><TBODY><TR><TD>CATEGORY</TD><TD>2008
AVG</TD><TD>NFL
RANK</TD><TD>2007 AVG</TD><TD>NFL
RANK</TD></TR><TR><TD>Overall</TD><TD>293.6</TD><TD>7</TD><TD>291.6</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Rushing</TD><TD>93.9</TD><TD>6</TD><TD>92.4</TD><TD>5</TD></TR><TR><TD>Passing</TD><TD>199.8</TD><TD>9</TD><TD>199.2</TD><TD>10</TD></TR><TR><TD>Scoring</TD><TD>14.6</TD><TD>2</TD><TD>18.6</TD><TD>8</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Red Brooklyn]

Gailey definitely demonstrated that he can make some chicken salad, and there's no question that he's a high-quality coach, but I thinks it's very unlikely that this won't be a complete house cleaning.

I completely agree. However, I also think that if ANYone from this current coaching staff deserves to stay, it's Gailey.

[dorseybowe]

Schwartz is the complete opposite of Herman. That's a good thing.

[KChiefs1]

http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/its_just_sports/2009/01/hire_that_man_jim_schwartz_cou.html

Hire that man! Jim Schwartz could save the Lions from themselves

Posted by Patrick Hayes | It's Just Sports (http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/its_just_sports/about.html) January 13, 2009 12:30PM

Categories: Football (http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/its_just_sports/football/)
http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/its_just_sports/2009/01/small_Lions_Schwartz_Football_NY1.jpg
AP Photo
The Lions should hire Jim Schwartz right now.


I was a little less than enthused with Jim Schwartz as a head coaching candidate for the Detroit Lions. After Rod Marinelli was fired, I was hoping for someone, namely New England's Josh McDaniels, with a pedigree on the offensive side of the ball (http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/its_just_sports/2008/12/fixing_the_detroit_lions_plugg.html) to get the most out of what, at present, are the Lions' only assets: Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith.

But McDaniels ended up in Denver (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/football/patriots/view.bg?articleid=1144975&srvc=sports&position=3) (and who can blame him?), and, after his second interview yesterday, Schwartz was considered a finalist for the Detroit job.

Without looking at his background much, bringing in a defensive coach to a defense that is not competitive wouldn't seem to be the best move, unless he is bringing Albert Haynesworth with him to plug the middle. But upon further review, Schwartz should have been the candidate all along.

First, he is off the Bill Belicheck coaching tree (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Schwartz). So bringing in a disciple of the most successful NFL coach of the last 30 years would be a good start in turning your franchise around, right?

But that is not the best part. I am an avid fan of Moneyball (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moneyball) and the impact statistical analysis has had in combating the good ol' boys thinking in baseball (http://www.sfweekly.com/2005-07-06/news/say-it-ain-t-so-joe/). One of the main storylines in the book is that baseball teams have, in the past, often been run by former players or "insiders" with no credentials to run a multi-million dollar business, other than the fact that they "played the game," giving them some type of lifetime membership in an exclusive club.

That should sound familiar to Lions fans. This is what our favorite former Lions team president said when hired in 2001 (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2001/01/09/millen_lions_ap/):
"I'm a football player. I'm a football person. That's what I know. Some people say it's shallow, but that's what I'm all about."It would be nice to have someone in a position of authority with the Lions who says things like this (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/sports/football/23titans.html):
With the Titans, Schwartz once encouraged the former offensive coordinator Norm Chow to run more on third-and-short because his research indicated that it was more effective than passing.Research? In football? That's crazy talk! Give us more of your voodoo, Mr. Schwartz:
"If you ask me, Would you rather have a great fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants guy on Sunday, a guy who can dial up plays and he'd be the best in league, or a guy who is best in the league from Monday to Saturday preparing, I respect the guy who prepares. You're not always going to be rolling 7, 7, 7 and be hot every week. But if you prepare well during the week, you'll be consistent from week to week."Effe that. Just draft the dude who runs the fastest 40, sit back and wait for the championships to roll in.

Every Lions fan should read the Times article on Schwartz (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/23/sports/football/23titans.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2) (And read Moneyball (http://www.amazon.com/Moneyball-Art-Winning-Unfair-Game/dp/0393057658) too, just for the hell of it. It's awesome). Seriously, having a coach who is that analytical is exactly what this team needs prior to such a critical draft. Hopefully they hire him and hopefully he has Martin Mayhew's ear enough to initiate some positive change.

[warrior]

I completely agree. However, I also think that if ANYone from this current coaching staff deserves to stay, it's Gailey.

I agree, I'd also like to keep our DB coach who's already interviewing else where.

[JuicesFlowing]

http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/1923/flickdd4.jpg

SCHWARTZ!

[KChiefs1]

If you have any doubts....I want JIM SCHWARTZ!

[BigVE]

Supposed "inside info" coming up on ESPN news. Stay tuned. lol

[warrior]

Schwartz is the complete opposite of Herman. That's a good thing.

Yeah a very good thing, hell he proberly even "play's to win the game."

[unothadeal]

"play's to win the game."

He seem's to have the smart's. ;)

[Dayze]

The odds of a new coach keeping anyone from this current staff is gonna be slim to none...especially after that 2-14.

yup

and the fact that any competent HC will evaluate the current coaching staff and ask himself "WTF were they thinking hiring these guys"?


I saw a stat during the NYG/Philly game where the Giants D had like 44 sacks...lmao. compared to our, what, 9?

Gun (and the rest for that matter) need to box their sh*t up and remain gone before they get a nasty taunting.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

I prefer a 3-4

[Captain Obvious]

May the Schwartz be with us.

[smittysbar]

"The most important position on the team is quarterback, and it's probably time to find a replacement for Bobby Layne," said Schwartz, referring to Detroit's Hall of Fame quarterback from the 1950s. "Quarterback is the trump card of all positions in the NFL. If you've got a great quarterback, you can cover up a lot of other areas on your team. If you don't have a great quarterback, you've got to be really good in a lot of other areas."

:clap:

[smittysbar]

Fuck me. I hope we don't go to a 3-4.

I wouldn't mind to see the change, count me in as good either direction.

Just please not the Tampa 2 :evil:

[Thig Lyfe]

since this whole thread is speculation... what do you guys think Chan's chances are of staying on as OC? Obviously, it depends on the HC. But if it's Schwartz, or Spag, or Hillary Swank big changes are coming. Does Chan stand a chance of surviving the over-haul? Does anyone want him to? Just curious what people are thinking...

The odds probably aren't terrific, but if ANYBODY survives, it'll be Chan.

[KChiefs1]

He seem's to have the smart's. ;)

IMHO...he is the smartest HC candidate out there.

[KChiefs1]

http://www.freep.com/article/20090113/SPORTS01/90113118/1049/SPORTS01/Chiefs+may+throw+wrench+in+Lions++plan

Chiefs may throw wrench in Lions' plan

BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Now that Scott Pioli has left New England to become Kansas City's general manager, the Lions need to keep an eye on the Chiefs.

Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz hasn't interviewed for any other coaching jobs this year, but he could be a candidate for the Chiefs' job. And if the Lions want to hire him, they might want to be careful he doesn't get away.

Schwartz and Pioli once worked together with coach Bill Belichick in Cleveland, and Schwartz talked about their relationship during his media availability Monday at Lions headquarters.

"Scott and I cut our teeth together in Cleveland," Schwartz said. "At the time, we didn’t realize it, but that was an all-star cast, guys working 100 hours a week, living in crappy apartments, making no money, but that made us all who we are in the NFL. Back in ’93 or ’94, and we all have Bill Belichick to thank for that."

By the way, Pioli going to Kansas City gives Lions fans a great point of comparison.

Pioli, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, reportedly would have been interested in the Lions' GM job, but owner William Clay Ford chose to keep Martin Mayhew.

The Chiefs are 2-22 in their past 24 games. The Lions are 1-23, but their one victory was over the Chiefs. Pretty even.

Let's see who does better from here on out, Pioli's Chiefs or Mayhew's Lions.

[Mecca]

:clap:

It's nice to see he understands something that numerous people on this forum still don't.

[booger]

PFT Rumor Mill
DON’T COUNT ON SCHWARTZ-PIOLI PAIRING

Posted by Mike Florio on January 13, 2009, 8:43 p.m.
In response to a suggestion in some circles that new Chiefs G.M. Scott Pioli might pursue Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to become the new head coach of the team, a league source tells us that it will not be happening.

Per the source, Pioli and Schwartz “despise each other.”

Though Schwartz looks to be the favorite for the Lions job, his camp could be floating the possibility of Kansas City hiring Schwartz in order to squeeze Detroit into hiring him prematurely and/or giving him a better deal.

That said, it’s our understanding that the Chiefs are not and will not be an option for him.

[booger]

Don't forget Rex Ryan. Apparently he is a hot name now in NYJ and STL. Perfect type of guy to look for if Pioli wants to run a 34. Also his twin Bro Rob was a LB coach for the pats before becoming DC of the Raiders. Rob is supposed to be tight with Mangini and will be their new DC. So for him to come here it would most likely have to be as HC.

[DT58HOF]

Schwartz is the complete opposite of Herman. That's a good thing.

I gotta admit, I will be Happier with Ferentz or Schwartz over Spagnulo
I Think they should retain Gailey and promote Price and Fire everyonelse even the ball boys and janitor.

[KChiefs1]

http://m.detnews.com/detail.jsp?key=386094&rc=sp&full=1

Lions know Tennessee assistant no dummy
Bob Wojnowski
January 13, 2009 12:00 PM

ALLEN PARK -- Of all the crimes the Lions have committed against football humanity, one has endured way too long: They never outsmart anyone.

It's a malady that starts at the top, of course, with owner William Clay Ford Sr. It's more publicly represented in the bumbling of longtime general managers Matt Millen and Russ Thomas. And it's reflected in the coaches, decent men who flailed here, seldom were savvy enough to adjust, then never landed another NFL head-coaching job.

The Lions need someone bright, which is why I'm intrigued by Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who showed up Monday for a second interview. He seems like a smart choice, double-meaning intended.

Speaking with reporters before he headed off to meet with Ford, Schwartz was low-key but concise, and mentioned his connection with whiz Bill Belichick several times (smart guy, like I said). It was a positive impression partly because Schwartz wasn't trying to make an impression.

Is he a front-runner? The Lions won't say, and they rightly will continue exploring other candidates, but he should be.

"I don't shy away from a challenge," Schwartz said. "One of the best feelings in sports is turning something around."

Ah, and the Lions just happen to present the biggest challenge imaginable. It's up to new GM Martin Mayhew to determine if Schwartz's intelligence and defensive plan make him ready to navigate the hallways of the NFL's most amazingly dysfunctional team.


Sense and sensibility

Schwartz makes sense to me, possibly the most sense, at least as much sense as the other touted defensive coordinators -- the Giants' Steve Spagnuolo, the Chargers' Ron Rivera and the Vikings' Leslie Frazier. Don't get me wrong. I wish the Lions had aimed higher for an established winner, but realistically, I doubt the top ones -- Bill Parcells, Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan, Marty Schottenheimer, Brian Billick -- would come to Detroit. The odds plummeted when Mayhew and Tom Lewand got the top jobs, forcing the new coach to work under a guy who worked under Millen.

Supremely smart, or ...

OK, let's get the joke out of the way: You can't be that sharp if you want to coach an 0-16 team. True enough. To covet the job with the Lions, who have no proven hierarchy, little talent and virtually no history of success, you'd have to be:


A.) Desperate

B.) Supremely confident

C.) Supremely dumb

D.) Supremely smart

The Lions must hit on the latter, and believe it or not, it's possible. Schwartz, 42, touts the right things, the philosophical traits Mayhew and Lewand say they want, elements that make teams such as the Titans and the Steelers consistent contenders.

Schwartz has been in Tennessee for 10 years, the past eight as defensive coordinator. He was a college and pro scout under Belichick with the Browns in the 1990s, and Belichick has called Schwartz "probably one of the smartest people that I've been around."

The Titans' defense almost always is tough, and was second in the league in points allowed. You might recall, the Titans did narrowly edge the Lions, 47-10, on Thanksgiving Day.


If the Lions have learned anything, it's that a great defense can compensate for an unremarkable offense. The Steelers, Ravens and Eagles rank 1-2-3 in the NFL in defense and one of them will win the Super Bowl. (As much as it would further humble the Lions, there's no way the Cardinals win twice more.)

Test run?

So there was Schwartz, talking about building a team that's "big and strong and able to stop the run." He preached the importance of sacking the quarterback (what a concept!) and even tossed a bouquet to those who pine for the Lions to draft a quarterback, although he certainly didn't commit to it.

"It's probably time to find a replacement for Bobby Layne," he said with a smile, knowing the Lions haven't won since the days of ol' Bobby.


Assistants like Schwartz, Spagnuolo, Rivera and Frazier have everything except a head-coach track record. But in the NFL, the biggest name isn't always the best indicator, evidenced by the coaches still alive in the playoffs.

Ken Whisenhunt is a first-time head coach in his second season at Arizona, and he already has lifted the Cardinals past their historic cellar-mates, the Lions. The Ravens have a first-year head coach in John Harbaugh, and the Steelers' Mike Tomlin is a first-time head coach in his second season.

It's impossible to say if Schwartz or Spagnuolo or anyone is the perfect guy for the Lions. Good qualities in an assistant don't always translate to leading a team. I can only say Schwartz fits the mold, and he sure doesn't appear to be a dunderhead.


He loves strategy, statistical analysis and sound defense. He has an economics degree from Georgetown and likes to play chess, on and off the field. With all due respect, the Lions were lucky if their previous coaches could handle a spirited game of Yahtzee.

Is it fair to say Rod Marinelli wasn't the sharpest game-manager? Yep. Is it fair to say Steve Mariucci's West Coast offense was outdated by the time he brought it to Detroit? Yep. Was it fair to say Marty Mornhinweg could call plays better than he could lead players? Yep.

The Lions need loads of talent and a coach who prepares feverishly and adjusts cleverly. Sound and smart is how other teams win. The Lions should give it a shot.

[KChiefs1]

http://detroitsportreport.com/2009/01/12/head-coach-choices-a-lecture-on-merit/

Head Coach choices, a lecture on merit (http://detroitsportreport.com/2009/01/12/head-coach-choices-a-lecture-on-merit/)


<SCRIPT src="http://s.wordpress.com/wp-content/plugins/adverts/adsense.js?1" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><!--adcode--><SCRIPT type=text/javascript><!--google_ad_client = "pub-3443918307802676";google_ad_output = "js";google_feedback = "on";google_ad_type = "text,flash,html";google_max_num_ads = "2";google_ad_width = 468;google_ad_height = 60;google_ad_format = "468x60_as";google_image_size = "468x60";google_ad_channel ="8832819222+9378541030+7401333398+7453468586+1820117334+1820117334";var color_bg = 'ffffff';var color_text = '333333';var color_link = '105CB6';var color_border = '666666';var color_url = '105CB6';google_analytics_domain = "none";//--></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type=text/javascript></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/test_domain.js"></SCRIPT><SCRIPT src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/render_ads.js"></SCRIPT><SCRIPT>window.google_render_ad();</SCRIPT><SCRIPT language=JavaScript1.1 src="http://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/ads?client=ca-pub-3443918307802676&dt=1231902509290&lmt=1231902509&format=468x60_as&num_ads=2&output=js&correlator=1231902509290&channel=8832819222%2B9378541030%2B7401333398%2B7453468586%2B1820117334%2B1820117334&pv_ch=1820117334%2B&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdetroitsportreport.com%2F2009%2F01%2F12%2Fhead-coach-choices-a-lecture-on-merit%2F&ad_type=text,flash,html&image_size=468x60&ea=0&feedback_link=on&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fhl%3Den%26ie%3DISO-8859-1%26q%3D%2522jim%2Bschwartz%2522%2Bintelligence%26btnG%3DSearch&frm=0&ga_vid=797246326.1231902509&ga_sid=1231902509&ga_hid=137829218&flash=9.0.124.0&u_h=1050&u_w=1680&u_ah=1020&u_aw=1680&u_cd=32&u_tz=-360&u_his=8&u_java=true&dtd=32"></SCRIPT>


<!--/adcode-->http://detroitsportreport.files.wordpress.com/2009/01/schwartz-vs-spagnuolo.jpg?w=461&h=232

The Lions’ double-secret search for a head coach that will lose moderately-less effectively than Marinelli (who is now officially the Bears’ problem (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/01/will_joe_barry_follow_rod_mari.html)) is apparently down to two gents (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2009/01/foxs_glazer_its_down_to_jim_sc.html) at this juncture: Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz and the recently-available-for-interview New York Giants Defensive Coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo.

Forgiving for a second the implication their pursuit of a job with our beloved Lions in the first place has on their respective intelligence, I think the Detroit football community would agree that either candidate would mark a massive improvement over the defensive-line coach that has been the maidenhead of the Lions for the past three years.

Both Schwartz and Spagnuolo come to their present, I think it’s fair to call it a predicament, from teams with consistently successful defenses, which is what Mayhew and Lewand (Pinkie and the Brain, only which is which?) have stated as their primary criterion. It’s what Schwartz and Spagnuolo have in common defensively, in both philosophy and resume, that make them such appealing choices. Each’s rabid defensive line more than compensated for any other deficiencies, and it would seem logical that each would likely make that their A-1 priority going into this offseason (an offseason which, considering Detroit’s position with the #1 and the #20-something draft choices, plus myriad others in later rounds, must serve as the genesis of an entirely new Detroit Lions, entirely unaffiliated with the last 50 years of ineptitude). This approach works for me because, as both candidates have proved in their current situations, a solid defensive line can neutralize a lot of shortcomings.

The Lions have a lot of shortcomings to neutralize, and therefore people’s expectations need to be reigned in immediately. The Lions are not going to the playoffs in 2010, or even 2011. I saw what happened in Miami, but neither Spagnuolo nor Schwartz is the Tuna’s equal, and the 2008 Lions are infinitely inferior to the 2007 Dolphins (literally). Even if one of them were capable of replicating what Parcells did this year, it still wouldn’t happen because our beloved William Clay Ford effectively hamstrung his would-be savior by giving Pinkie and the Brain veto power over all personnel decisions, an impediment Parcells was not faced with in Miami.

It will take three years at the very least, but after witnessing the Giants’ and Titans’ continuing defensive domination, I am willing to wait that long for either Spagnuolo or Schwartz (heck, what’s another three years anyway?).

All that being said, I’m going to go ahead and root for Schwartz because he makes me giggle (http://www.freep.com/article/20090112/BLOG21/90112070/1049/rss14).
<!--adcode-->

[Time's Yours]

It's nice to see he understands something that numerous people on this forum still don't.

He's a professional NFL coordinator and potential HC. I hope he understands a lot of f***ing things that people on this forum don't.

[KChiefs1]

http://www.examiner.com/x-1330-Detroit-Lions-Examiner~y2009m1d13-Lions-appear-on-the-verge-of-naming-coach


Nothing is official yet, but the more news I read, particularly stories such as this (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3828176), lead me to believe Jim Schwartz will be the guy who ends up coaching the Lions.

Schwartz came in for a second interview, met with Billy Ford the Elder, and was even presented to the media to take questions.

I don't see why the Lions would do that unless they REALLY liked this guy and wanted him to be the coach. However, like I said nothing is official and it is entirely possible they trot Steve Spagnuolo out there at some point in the future as well.


While my heart still yearns for Spagnuolo and his blitz based defense, I think Schwartz will be just find.

Although, his defense based on sound fundamentals is eerily similar to the dogma of Marinelli, and we all know how well that worked out. However, Schwartz has been the defensive coordinator in Tennessee for eight seasons, and has had obvious success, where as Marinelli was but a mere defensive line coach who had never run a defense.

Plus, as stated in that article, the two things Schwartz's defenses are known for are stopping the run and preventing third down conversions. That's music to the ears of any Lions fan.

With Cleveland recycling Mangini and with the Broncos choosing wunderkind Josh McDaniels to be their head coach, the competition for the Lions has gotten a little smaller.

Also, with Kansas City spinning their wheels right now, Oakland a mess, and Cincinnati seemingly not planning on firing Marvin Lewis because apparently their owners are absolutely insane, or Ford-esque in the parlance of our times, the Lions might be able to drag their feet a little bit.

However, if they do anything more than bring in Spagnuolo one more time then spend a week or so deliberating, I will be none too pleased.

[KChiefs1]

http://www.examiner.com/x-1330-Detroit-Lions-Examiner~y2009m1d13-Lions-appear-on-the-verge-of-naming-coach


Nothing is official yet, but the more news I read, particularly stories such as this (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3828176), lead me to believe Jim Schwartz will be the guy who ends up coaching the Lions.



Schwartz eager to coach Lions

<HR width="100%" noShade SIZE=1>Associated Press

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=det) put Jim Schwartz behind a podium to answer questions from reporters as part of their second interview with the Tennessee Titans (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=ten) defensive coordinator.


If it was part of his evaluation, he seemed to pass it.


Schwartz cracked one joke when asked what he would do with the No. 1 pick in the draft and his potential boss got a kick out of his answer.


"It's probably time to find a replacement for Bobby Layne," Schwartz said, showing he knows at least a little about the history of perhaps the NFL's worst franchise.


Team president Tom Lewand doubled over, then composed himself enough to avoid bursting out with laughter.


What isn't a joke, though, is how bad Detroit has been and how much it has failed to draft or acquire a viable, long-term option at quarterback.


Since winning a title in 1957 with Layne under center, the Lions have the same number of playoff victories as Pro Bowl QBs: one.


The chance to lead the NFL's first 0-16 team seems to only motivate Schwartz to get the job and succeed at it.


"I don't shy away from a challenge," Schwartz said.


Schwartz said he expected to meet with team owner William Clay Ford as part of his visit. He declined to say if other teams have expressed an interest in hiring him.


Detroit interviewed Schwartz after the regular season and had to wait for Tennessee to be eliminated from the playoffs to speak to him again. The Titans lost to Baltimore on Saturday.


The Lions, who fired Rod Marinelli after his team made history, also have interest in numerous other candidates including Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.


San Diego coach Norv Turner confirmed the Lions asked for permission to interview Rivera, who told teams he didn't want to pursue other opportunities until the Chargers' season ended and they were eliminated Sunday at Pittsburgh.


Messages seeking comment were left for Frazier, Spagnuolo's agent, Bob LaMonte, and Rivera's agent, Frank Bauer.


Schwartz just finished his 10th season with the Titans, his eighth as defensive coordinator.


Before being hired in Tennessee, he spent three years on the Baltimore Ravens (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=bal)' staff. He also was a college and pro scout for the Cleveland Browns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=cle) and that experience might be valuable in Detroit.


The Lions have the No. 1 pick in April, along with first- and third-round picks from the Dallas Cowboys (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=dal), and need to find players to spark a turnaround.


Schwartz said his background in scouting is an asset for him as a candidate in Detroit.


If the Lions hire Schwartz, he would also be counted on to come up with ways to improve a defense that ranked last in the league and gave up 517 points -- threatening the NFL record for points allowed (533) in a season set by the 1981 Baltimore Colts.


"There's no better feeling than turning a situation around," he said.

The 42-year-old Schwartz played linebacker at Georgetown, where he earned a degree in economics.


He started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Maryland in 1989, later had the same position at Minnesota and went on to become a secondary coach for North Carolina Central and linebackers coach at Colgate.


The Baltimore native became a candidate to be a head coach because of what he's done in Tennessee.


His resume and style led to interviews in previous years with Miami, Atlanta, Washington and San Francisco.


The Titans ranked in the top seven in yards allowed each of the past two seasons and finished second in points allowed per game at 14.6 in 2008. His 2003 defense ranked first in the NFL in rushing defense and led the league in third down defense at 27.7 -- the lowest since the 1998 Oakland Raiders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=oak).


The avid chess player analyzes football-related statistics, looking for tendencies, then has the ability to relay what he has learned to players.


"You've got to have the right kind of guys who know how to translate it off the computer to the field and play," Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=1767) has said. "He pretty much has what it takes if you ask me."

[Gravedigger]

Can't these writers come up with more clever titles? Srsly?

Hiring Scott Pioli could bring changes

No Shit? Wow, these guys r teh smart.

[Spicy McHaggis]

You have the ring, and I see your Schwartz is as big as mine

[BigMeatballDave]

**** me. I hope we don't go to a 3-4.Why not?

[58-4ever]

http://www.freep.com/article/20090113/SPORTS01/90113118/1049/SPORTS01/Chiefs+may+throw+wrench+in+Lions++plan

Chiefs may throw wrench in Lions' plan

BY NICHOLAS J. COTSONIKA
FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER

Now that Scott Pioli has left New England to become Kansas City's general manager, the Lions need to keep an eye on the Chiefs.

Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz hasn't interviewed for any other coaching jobs this year, but he could be a candidate for the Chiefs' job. And if the Lions want to hire him, they might want to be careful he doesn't get away.

Schwartz and Pioli once worked together with coach Bill Belichick in Cleveland, and Schwartz talked about their relationship during his media availability Monday at Lions headquarters.

"Scott and I cut our teeth together in Cleveland," Schwartz said. "At the time, we didn’t realize it, but that was an all-star cast, guys working 100 hours a week, living in crappy apartments, making no money, but that made us all who we are in the NFL. Back in ’93 or ’94, and we all have Bill Belichick to thank for that."

By the way, Pioli going to Kansas City gives Lions fans a great point of comparison.

Pioli, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, reportedly would have been interested in the Lions' GM job, but owner William Clay Ford chose to keep Martin Mayhew.

The Chiefs are 2-22 in their past 24 games. The Lions are 1-23, but their one victory was over the Chiefs. Pretty even.

Let's see who does better from here on out, Pioli's Chiefs or Mayhew's Lions.

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/6d1ec33982.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[StcChief]

LOL. Lions continue their suckage. don't be surprised if NO one comes for the job despite the $$$$. F Up situation.