Colts to interview Jim Schwartz for defensive coordinator opening
The Indianapolis Colts have started the process of finding a replacement at defensive coordinator.
After four years of leading a good Indianapolis Colts defense, Matt Eberflus was named head coach of the Chicago Bears. He will now be tasked with getting Chicago back to the top.
Meanwhile, the Colts will have to find a replacement for Eberflus and select a new defensive coordinator.
With Eberflus taking Indianapolis’ linebacker coach, Dave Borgonzi, and possibly secondary coach, Alan Williams, Indy will have to look to external options.
Indianapolis isn’t wasting any team, as it has already been reported that the team is scheduled to interview Jim Schwartz for the vacancy.
The #Colts plan to interview #Titans senior defensive assistant Jim Schwartz for their vacant defensive coordinator job, sources say. The former #Lions HC and long-time respected DC is a strong candidate in Indy, which also interviewed Joe Cullen and Chris Harris for the job.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2022
Jim Schwartz is Colts first interview for defensive coordinator
Schwartz has an extensive coaching history, but his most recent experience is his current position of senior defensive assistant for the Tennessee Titans.
He served as the Titans defensive coordinator from 2001-2008 before taking over as head coach for the Detroit Lions from 2009-2013.
Schwartz seems like a likely candidate for the Colts due to his relationship with Indy’s head coach, Frank Reich. When Reich was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, Schwartz was the defensive coordinator.
Together as coordinators, they won Super Bowl 52 when the Eagles triumphed over the Patriots.
Jim Schwartz could be a good fit for Colts defense
In addition to his lengthy resume and relationship with Reich, Schwartz has a history of producing good defensive line play. During his five seasons with Philadelphia, the Eagles had two seasons finishing top-10 with total sacks, No. 3 in 2020.
This is one of the Colts’ few weaknesses on the defense, so if Schwartz can improve that, this unit has the potential to be one of the most dominant in the league.
There’s still more to the process, and Indianapolis may even host more candidates, but for now, Schwartz is the only person with an official interview.
