The Buffalo Bills announced Tuesday afternoon that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will not return to the team following the hire of Rex Ryan as head coach. The team has terminated his contract, allowing Schwartz to pursue other opportunities around the league.
Jim Schwartz won’t return to Bills
Buffalo was excellent on defense in 2014 under Schwartz, but the defensive coordinator is out after only one season.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Although nothing has been agreed upon, it is expected that Dennis Thurman will take over the vacant position. Thurman previously worked under Ryan while with the New York Jets.
Ryan released a statement, praising Schwartz and his efforts on the defensive side of the ball in Buffalo:
#Bills HC Rex Ryan released the following statement regarding the termination of Jim Schwartz's contract: pic.twitter.com/B4stru6DJ0
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 13, 2015 Initial reports indicated that Ryan hoped to retain Schwartz and that the team had every intention of doing so. However, Schwartz, who also interviewed for the head coaching job, was undecided on whether he wanted to stay. Despite this, the two were expected to meet once Ryan’s hiring became official, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.
It subsequently concluded with a split.
Caplan states that the decision came down to differing defensive philosophies. Schwartz employs a 4-3 defense, while Ryan has been a 3-4 guy throughout his career. Schwartz’s defenses generally are not heavy on blitzing either, something Ryan does early and often.
Schwartz came to Buffalo last offseason after five seasons as the head coach of the Detroit Lions. Under Schwartz, the Bills finished fourth in total defense, fourth in points allowed, third in turnovers forced and first in sacks. Former head coach Doug Marrone evoked an opt-out clause in his contract on Dec. 31, which was triggered because of the team's sale earlier in the year. Marrone is currently a prospective head coaching candidate, while Schwartz is expected to be in demand as a defensive coordinator.
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