Lions Ex Coach Jim Schwartz to Falcons as Defensive Coordinator?

The Atlanta Falcons need a new defensive coordinator. Could Jim Schwartz be their guy?

Jeremy Brener | Jan 13, 2023

The Atlanta Falcons are looking to find their next defensive coordinator, and while they will hold an extensive search, one potential candidate stands out from the pack.

Jim Schwartz, could be the next defensive coordinator in Atlanta after veteran Dean Pees retired following a 50-year career.

Schwartz, 56, is battle-tested in the NFL. He worked from 2001-08 with the Tennessee Titans as their defensive coordinator before becoming the head coach for the Detroit Lions from 2009-13.

Schwartz's track record as a head coach wasn't strong, finishing 29-51 in five seasons with the Lions, but he returned to the defensive coordinator ranks with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016-20, ultimately winning Super Bowl LII.

Schwartz resigned from the Eagles shortly after the firing of Doug Pederson, which prompted him to re-join the Titans as a defensive analyst.

It's uncertain whether Schwartz would want to become a coordinator again, but if the interest is there, he should be a top candidate.

Though Schwartz and Falcons head coach Arthur Smith never crossed paths in Tennessee, both have worked for Mike Vrabel, who could put in a good word.

Not many defensive coordinator candidates out there have head coaching experience and a Super Bowl ring, which puts Schwartz towards the top of names to watch.

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Published Jan 13, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.