ESPN reports Jim Schwartz as Lions head coach

by BoscoHB on Jan 15, 2009 4:07 PM EST Comment 8 comments

The Detroit Lions have reached an agreement in principle with Jim Schwartz to become their next head coach, several sources told ESPN on Thursday.

Schwartz, the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator for the past eight seasons, has agreed in principle to a four-yeal contract.

On Tuesday, after a second interview with the Lions, Schwartz said the chance to coach the NFL's first 0-16 team motivated him to tackle it and succeed in it.

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

The Lions fired Rod Marinelli after his team made history. Schwartz just finished his 10th season with the Titans.

Before being hired in Tennessee, Schwartz spent three years on the Baltimore Ravens' staff. He also was a college and pro scout for the Cleveland Browns 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, and need to find players to spark a turnaround.

Among other things, the Lions will be counting on Schwartz 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.

ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen, ESPN NFL reporter Michael Smith and The Associated Press contributed to this story.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Pride of Detroit's main writer, Sean, or the site in general. FanPosts are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable fans.

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Not my first choice....

but i believe he will be a good coach, our defense should be much better.

Whether it be this year, next year, or 50 years from now. The Detroit Lions will eventually win a Super Bowl............I f'n hope.

by BoscoHB on Jan 15, 2009 4:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Congratulations, Lions fans

Looks like y’all have finally turned the corner.

Oh when the Saints...Start kicking ass...You don't want to be in that number...

by MtnExile on Jan 15, 2009 4:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Good Choice

He’s basically the polar opposite of Rod Marinelli, which is a sign they are trying to turn the corner. I like it

by The Prodigy on Jan 15, 2009 4:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

His last name doesn't start with a "M"

All kidding aside I’ve been wondering what kind of relationship he has with Albert Haynesworth and if he could help us land him. I atleast feel confident that that is a better move then bring in all of Marinelli’s older Tampa guys who were past their prime.

by tigerfaninChicago on Jan 15, 2009 4:44 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Haha I didn't even think about that

No more “M”. That’s a good sign.

Check out Pride of Detroit, SB Nation's Lions Blog

by Sean Yuille on Jan 15, 2009 5:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Finally

Im happy they signed him. He should be what we need in Detroit. Hopefully this is not the overly-optimistic side that the Lion’s alway’s manage to bring out of me during the off-season but Mayhew’s two big moves (the trade of Roy Williams and signing a HC) have been in my opinion good for the organization. Maybe just maybe we have some smart football guys in the Lions front office……..maybe.

by pleaselionswinasuperbowlbeforeidie on Jan 15, 2009 4:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

WOO WOO WOO!!!

Jim Schwartz. Excellent choice. He’ll bring a lot of good knowledge and experience to Detroit. This is turning into an interesting off-season. I’ve been touting him for a while and he’s definitely my first choice for head coach.

I has a blog

"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five." ~Groucho Marx

by Jettero2112 on Jan 15, 2009 4:51 PM EST reply actions 0 recs