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Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly interview Jim Schwartz for vacant defensive coordinator position

By Daniel Lago

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz looks up during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz looks up during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars are still on the lookout for a new defensive coordinator and they now have a chance to bring the biggest name on the market.

Despite not being in the NFL this past season, nabbing Schwartz to run the defense would be a monumental success for the Jaguars. Because of his pedigree, it was highly unlikely that Schwartz would even consider signing on with Jacksonville considering the tenuous status of head coach Gus Bradley and the lone year left on his contract.

Schwartz was ranked number 1 when Luke Sims looked at possible defensive coordinator replacements back when Bob Babich was fired:

"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."

With all the head coaching spots now filled, the Jaguars get to keep Doug Marrone as the offensive line coach and he might play a part in luring Schwartz to Jacksonville.

Before the awkward way his head coaching tenure ended, Marrone led the Buffalo Bills to in improbable 9-7 record in 2014 on the strength of one of the best defenses in the NFL.

The maestro behind that monstrous defense? Jim Schwartz.

The NFL is all about relationships, especially when it comes to coaches and front office executives, (see Gus Bradley hiring his buddy Bob Babich back in 2013) so any connection is helpful when trying to bring in top-level talent.

Schwartz runs a very similar scheme to what Bradley has stuck to in Jacksonville – 4-3 front with wide technique edge rushers – so there wouldn’t be a big learning period as he gets acclimated.

This is potentially a huge move for the Jaguars and particularly Bradley as he tries to setup for a postseason run in 2016.

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