The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to name former Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz their defense coordinator, according to Mark Eckel of NJ.com. The Eagles officially announced Monday that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson would become their next head coach, and Schwartz will reportedly be the guy to lead his defense in 2016.
Former Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich is reportedly a very strong candidate to take over as the Eagles offensive coordinator, and the Eagles could look to solidify their coaching staff by the end of this week. The Jacksonville Jaguars were also reportedly interested in Schwartz, but the Eagles are expected to name the former Lions head coach their defensive coordinator on Tuesday, according to Eckel.
Schwartz had a record of 29-51 as the head coach of the Lions, but it's important to remember that Detroit had just finished 0-16 the year before he arrived. Schwartz served as the Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator in 2014, and helped them finish the season ranked fourth in the NFL in terms of points allowed per game (18.1). The Eagles finished this season ranked 28th in the league in terms of points per game, and their new defensive coordinator is expected to make a drastic improvement by next season.
Philadelphia finished this year 7-9, and while a ton of personnel and staff decisions still have to be made, it's not impossible to think they could contend in a weak NFC East next season under their newly acquired staff.
