Each team has adjustments after the end of the season. In Philadelphia, many adjustments are possible. A replacement that will be final, at least apparently, will occur at the defensive coordinator point.
Jim Schwartz will leave the team when his contract expires after Sunday’s game, to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media.
Schwartz, 54, plans to take a year off, during which time he will retire. According to the report, the Eagles have presented Schwartz with an extension in the past, and Schwartz “is still very much appreciated throughout the team.
While that’s arguably true enough, the fact that the NFL is rife with uninvited realities means there’s more to this story. The amount of extension proposed for an offer the Eagles knew Schwartz wouldn’t accept? Is Schwartz shy about his long career in case the phone doesn’t ring at the next training carousel? Is he looking to sell himself by creating a sense of scarcity?
Schwartz, a former Lions head coach (29-51 in five seasons), defensive coordinator for the Bills in 2014, left football in 2015 and joined the Eagles in 2016. Despite a task forged with the defense of Philadelphia, Schwartz gained less interest in a leader training opportunity at the time than its functionality would suggest.
Could all of this be a little media manipulation meant to create a call for Schwartz and / or tone down the look the Eagles were seeking to cross? Given that it comes at a time in the calendar when attempts to manipulate the media are on the rise, it would be foolish to rule out that possibility.
Finally! I’ve had enough of his comfortable defenses. Sick of the Wide 9, sick of hunting in dry DBs, sick of the twist, the flex and despite everything breaking the defense.
You will need to log in to post a comment. Not a member? Register now!