Jim Schwartz lands with NFL as officiating consultant

Jim Schwartz has found a job.

Following a very successful but brief stint as the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator last season, the former Detroit Lions head coach was let go when the Bills hired Rex Ryan as their new leader in January.

Schwartz didn't latch on with anyone this offseason--likely at least somewhat influenced by timing (given he was let go later in the coaching hiring frenzy)--so it turns out he'll be working for the NFL in 2015.

As first reported by Fox Sports and later confirmed by the NFL, Schwartz will spend the upcoming season as a consultant to the league's officiating department.

[READ MORE from ESPN.com]

Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily

Schwartz respects Rex but knows two weren't a fit

The second the Buffalo Bills named Rex Ryan their new head coach, the team's then-defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was on his way out--even if the move wasn't official for a few days.

It was a scheme issue, and the coaches' respective personalities probably had a little to do with it, as well. Nothing personal. Schwartz acknowledged that recently in an interview with The Baltimore Sun.

"I've known Rex for a long time," Schwartz said. "I have a lot of respect for him as a person, and for what he has done and his schemes. But like there are certain players who fit in with other players, the same is true with coaches."

READ MORE

Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily

Schwartz out on defense, Roman in on offense for Bills

BY EDITOR

If you weren't already sure, Rex Ryan will be calling the shots for the Buffalo defense next season.

Hired only a day ago to replace former head coach Doug Marrone, Ryan announced in his first press conference as new team leader that he's terminated the contract of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who led the unit to a fourth overall ranking in 2014.

Ryan acknowledged Schwartz's efforts with the squad Tuesday, saying the move was aimed at giving the 48-year-old coach a chance at another gig.

Tate calls Schwartz's Rudy moment 'total douche move'

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz may have enjoyed his Rudy moment last Sunday, but not everyone on the field found it as entertaining. Not even close.

Schwartz had set the scene all the way back in OTAs, according to rookie linebacker Randell Johnson, proposing he be carried off the field after the game, just like in the movie portraying Notre Dame's infamous defensive end. After upsetting his former team on the road 17-14, two of his linebackers did just that, hoisting him up on their shoulders while he held his fist high in the air.

The scene didn't evoke any tears from Lions receiver Golden Tate, though.

‘Real talent’ at corner has Schwartz amped in run ‘D’

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Buffalo Bills may have acquired middle linebacker Brandon Spikes as a stop-gap for their porous run defense a season ago, but the team’s defensive coordinator is looking to the edges of his squad, namely his corners, as to whether the team can turn things around. 

Keeping opposing running backs from bouncing outside as a Plan B option is a key factor in stopping any rushing attack, a job that requires strength and speed to win battles against blocking receivers and tight ends.

Coach Jim Schwartz thinks his corner crew is more than up for the challenge, affirming that his returning starters, plus the addition of a talented veteran, makes for a well-rounded talent pool.

Schwartz excited to see full potential of secondary

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

With names like Mario and Kyle Williams on the defensive line and big-name acquisitions in the linebacking corps, the Buffalo Bills' front seven has stolen the majority of the attention on the defensive side of the ball so far this season.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, however, is most excited about the group that's been quietly working out of the spotlight--the secondary.

It's not as if things have been totally silent in the Bills' defensive backfield. The team lost three-time Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd to a big contract in New Orleans, which in turn will yield a playoff for the second starting safety position. General manager Doug Whaley brought in veteran Corey Graham to help bolster his depth at cornerback.

Spikes hoping to get all he can from Schwartz's 4-3 set

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Since 2010, the name of the game in Buffalo, at least defensively, has been adaptation.

Starting with George Edwards’ arrival in 2010 under former head coach Chan Gailey, there have been four different defensive coordinators for the Bills in five years, all with their own way of doing things.

In his two years at the helm, Edwards ran a 3-4 scheme, while his successor, Dave Wannstedt, ran a traditional 4-3. Then came Mike Pettine with his hybrid scheme, which was extremely successful (at least against the pass) for his brief stint.

Bills' D-line pressure a key factor under Schwartz

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

In a scheme that blitzed more than most last season, the Buffalo Bills' defensive line under Mike Pettine wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Under newly hired defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, however, those opportunities may have to be more individually established.

While talking shop with colleague and Bills beat writer Mike Rodak, ESPN's Detroit Lions writer Michael Rothstein filled in the Bills faithful on what to expect from their new acquisition, particularly when it comes to creating pressure in the backfield.

Schwartz aims to keep continuity, adapt to players

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Buffalo Bills new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz sounds a lot like Mike Pettine did in taking over the job last year, using words like "attack," "physical" and "adapting."

It's not all the same, though.

"First of all, Mike and I are different guys," Schwartz said Monday, via BuffaloBills.com. "Even though I think continuity is important and there is something to be said for that, we’re going to look very hard at ways over the next few months to keep continuity as much as we can."

Bills' D-tackles ready to 'get after it' under Schwartz

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills went from one aggressive defensive coordinator to another, hiring former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz a day after Mike Pettine departed for the Cleveland Browns last week.

Buffalo's defenders have already begun turning the page, getting the 411 on their new leader from Schwartz's former players.

"I talked to Sammie (Hill) and Nick Fairley briefly about him," Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus told BuffaloBills.com this weekend. "They say he is a good defensive coordinator and lets you get after it. That’s mainly what I am looking for."

Bills bounce back at D-coordinator, land Schwartz

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Thursday, the Buffalo Bills lost their defensive coordinator to a head coaching job elsewhere.

Friday, they hired a new defensive coordinator who recently lost a head coaching job elsewhere.

The Bills hired former Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz to lead their defense a day after saying goodbye to Mike Pettine, who spent just a single season in Buffalo before bolting to the Cleveland Browns.