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The Philadelphia Eagles will have a new defensive coordinator in 2021 with the news that Jim Schwartz will step down next season to assess his future.
Schwartz was the head coach of the Lions from 2009 to 2013, compiling a 29-51 record with a trip to the playoffs in 2011.
Here are three takeaways from the news:
Schwartz is probably struggling with burnout
Schwartz previously took a year off in 2015 between leaving the Bills and taking jobs from the Eagles.
The Philadelphia defense has been healthy with injury and attrition since the 2017 Super Bowl and this season Schwartz has been forced to deal with serious injuries in high school and particularly in the cornerback position.
After starting out under Bill Belichick, Schwartz was eventually appointed linebacker coach and defensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans from 1999 to 2008, before landing the position of head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2013.
Schwartz served as the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator in 2014, before taking a year off and joining the Eagles.
Doug Pederson alluded to the move
December 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, United States; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson (L) and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (R) in a game against the Washington Redskins at Lincoln Financial Field. The Washington Redskins won 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles head coach referred to Schwartz during his last regular-season zoom squeeze on Friday, deepening their relationship.
“I’ll tell you, our relationship has evolved tremendously,” Pederson said Friday. “I think we’ve been more on the same page over the years, I just got to know him every year and understand him as a coach and coordinator. Obviously, his defenses have always been the best defenses in the National Football League. Of course when the guys are healthy and all that.
The Eagles defense will have a new look
CARSON, CA – OCTOBER 01: Derek Barnett # 96 of the Philadelphia Eagles gets into position during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 1, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
Schwartz used a Wide-9 front that focused on passing rush and pressure up front, but his linebackers and secondaries struggled to keep that pressure on the backend.
The next defensive coordinator might be asked to focus more on producing turnovers and big plays, stepping away from the corner and not breaking the pattern while focusing more on the pace of opposing offenses.
Defensive line coach Matt Burke could be an option after previously playing the role with the Dolphins, while Marquand Manuel also has experience as a coordinator.
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