Jacksonville Jaguars Bob Babich fired: 4 possible DC replacements
By Luke Sims
1) Jim Schwartz
Past positions: Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator, 2014; Detroit Lions head coach, 2009-2013 (29-51 record); Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator, 2001-2008
Jim Schwartz would be an amazing steal for the Jacksonville Jaguars. After spending the last season as an officiating consultant with the NFL, Schwartz has to be chomping at the bit to return as a coach for any team.
A fiery head coach and coordinator, Schwartz could hold the defense accountable and would provide a much-needed contrast to Bradley’s bubbly approach as head coach.
But it’s actually his track record that has everyone the most interested. He has five seasons as head coach or defensive coordinator in which his team was in the top 10 in takeaways (something the Jacksonville Jaguars desperately need to improve on), he’s led six top-10 rushing defenses, and three top-10 pass defenses. His most recent stint with the Bills saw his defense as the third best.
In terms of approach to coaching and track record, there doesn’t seem to be a better qualified candidate to take the reins of the Jaguars’ defense. He would not be the “yes-man” that Babich was to enforcing Bradley’s desired defense on mismatched talent.
It would be impressive to see Schwartz on the sidelines demanding perfection from the Jaguars each and every week and he would immediately create supporters among the fanbase.
With Schwartz a possible head coaching candidate (the Cleveland Browns are interested), it may be tough to lure him into a DC position with the Jags. If he saw the team as a contender or the possibility to move up if things don’t improve under Bradley, perhaps he’d be more interest, though.
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