Jim Schwartz and Bills Part Ways: Latest Details and Reaction

On Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz officially parted ways. The team announced the news on Twitter:

Rex Ryan had the following comments on Schwartz, via the team's website:

"

I have the utmost respect for Jim and what he has been able to accomplish throughout his career and I know he feels the same about me. Jim’s defenses are always tough and ranked near the top of the league standings. I wanted to give Jim the opportunity to pursue other opportunities and so we have terminated his contract. He did a terrific job with the Bills defense this past year and our plan is for our defense to continue to play well and be a dominating force.

"

The move comes as little surprise. Ryan and Schwartz have differing defensive philosophies, and ESPN's Adam Caplan reported on Monday that Schwartz wouldn't return to the team. Kimberly Jones of NFL.com reported that Ryan would be bringing his defensive coordinator with the New York Jets, Dennis Thurman, to Buffalo:

Schwartz likely won't be without a job for long. The Bills finished the 2014 season first in sacks, third in forced turnovers and fourth in overall defense this past year, so teams seeking a defensive coordinator will likely reach out to Schwartz immediately. 

He may get some nibbles for head coaching vacancies as well, though his 29-51 record in five seasons at the helm of the Detroit Lions and just one playoff berth won't be as appealing to teams as his track record as a very good defensive coordinator. Prior to taking the Lions job, he was the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator from 2001-08.

So Schwartz will land on his feet. However, he'll almost assuredly do so as a defensive coordinator, not a head coach.