Jim Schwartz Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding DC's Future

The Buffalo Bills have terminated the contract of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz following the team's hiring of Rex Ryan as the new head coach. Now a free-agent, Schwartz is drawing interest from other teams.

Continue for updates. 

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Bills Formally Terminate Schwartz's Contract

Tuesday, Jan. 13

The Bills officially parted ways with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz on Tuesday, ending his stint with the team after one season, the Bills announced on Twitter:

It was an expected formality after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier on Tuesday that Schwartz would not return for the 2015 NFL season.

After the team hired Rex Ryan as its new head coach following Doug Marrone's exit, there was plenty of interest in what would happen with Schwartz following the success he had with Buffalo's defense last season. He even interviewed for the then-vacant head coaching position prior to Ryan being hired.

Though the Bills were interested in retaining Schwartz, Ryan is a defensive-minded coach and the situation was complex as a result. Now, Schwartz will continue to consider other options on the open market.

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Schwartz a Potential Fit in Dallas

Tuesday, Jan. 13

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted a potential landing spot for Jim Schwartz following his departure from Buffalo:

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Schwartz's Future With Bills Uncertain

Monday, Jan. 12

The coaching carousel in the NFL is still fully in motion, as Jim Schwartz's short stint as the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator appears likely to come to an end.     

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora has the rumor: 

According to The Buffalo News' Vic Carucci, a decision could be coming soon: 

After five up-and-down seasons as the head coach of the Detroit Lions, Schwartz made the move to Buffalo in 2014 following the departure of former Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who left to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

Under Schwartz's watch, the Bills finished in the top five in yards allowed, yards allowed per play, points allowed, sacks, takeaways and a bevy of other defensive categories. 

Football Outsiders ranked Buffalo's defense as the second-best unit in the NFL, led by a dynamic front four featuring three Pro Bowlers in Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus. 

It was a marvelous job from Schwartz, but with Rex Ryan coming in as the new head coach, as the team formally announced on Monday, and bringing in several of his assistants, it would be a potentially awkward dynamic. 

Tim Graham of The Buffalo News put it simply:

Schwartz benefited from having one of the most talented front sevens in football, but if he indeed opts to leave the Bills, he should have no trouble finding a job in a similar position elsewhere. 

As for the Bills, they still have plenty of talent in place on the defensive side of the ball to believe that the defensive-minded Ryan will have that unit continuing its strong play.