On Tuesday, January 19, Head Coach Doug Pederson announced in his introductory press conference that Jim Schwartz would be the Eagles' new defensive coordinator...
Jim Schwartz began working in the NFL in the mid-1990s doing research for Bill Belichick with the Cleveland Browns
Schwartz was the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans from 2002-2008 before becoming head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2009
In 2011, Schwartz led the Lions to the postseason for the first time since 1999
Schwartz spent five seasons in Detroit, and was named defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills leading up to the 2014 season
In 2014, Schwartz's defense led the league in sacks
During that same 2014 season, the Bills were 4-0 against NFC North opponents under Schwartz's watch
Schwartz helped lead the Bills to their first winning record in ten years
During Doug Pederson's introductory press conference on Tuesday afternoon, the Eagles' head coach officially announced the first new member of his coaching staff, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Schwartz comes to Philadelphia with 19 years of NFL coaching experience, five seasons of which were spent as head coach of the Detroit Lions. He also served as the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator from 2001-08 and spent the 2014 season as the defensive coordinator in Buffalo.
In 2014, Schwartz's defense ranked fourth in points allowed (18.1), fourth in yards allowed (312.2), third in passing yards allowed (205.8) and first in sacks (54). Additionally, during his eight seasons with the Titans, his defense ranked fifth in rushing yards per game (103.5) and sixth in third-down conversion rate (36.1 percent).
"This is a very talented defensive group," Schwartz said on Tuesday following the announcement. "There's talent in all three levels of this defense, up front, linebackers and in the secondary. That made it easy to say yes."
While fans and media have speculated about a switch to a 4-3 defense in 2016, Schwartz explained the scheme moving forward will be decided following a full evaluation of the defense. However, Schwartz also expressed that he will be sure to put his players in the best positions to find success because he wants nothing more than to win the ultimate game.
"The one thing I haven't done is hold a Super Bowl trophy and that consumes me," Schwartz said. "I would want nothing more than to see Mr. (Jeffrey) Lurie hold that trophy, to see that trophy in the front of a parade in the City of Philadelphia."
