Jim Schwartz's time with the Detroit Lions has certainly been an interesting case. While he stepped in and turned an 0-16 team around, he has failed to do much with a team filled with talent on the roster. Many believe Schwartz is coaching for his job this season after a disappointing 2012 and multiple off-the-field issues. As the Lions work through OTAs and prepare for minicamps, the Detroit front office is staying mum on what Schwartz's future holds.
Vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. would not address what management thinks of the head coach's past or future when addressed by reporters on Tuesday.
"I think Jim would be the first to admit that there have been times where he's learned on the job. But I think he's a very, very good coach," Ford said.
Schwartz was praised for his work with the Lions when he first stepped in as coach. The team was winless just a season before and brought them victories over two key teams. The Lions continued to improve, winning six games the following season and then earning a playoff berth. It was the first for the franchise since 1999. Then came 2011 where the Lions won 10 games before losing in the wild card playoff round to the New Orleans Saints. That season raised expectations that were shot down when the team went 4-4 in 2012, losing their final eight games.
While performance on the field has been inconsistent, performance off the field has been worse. Schwartz has come under fire with his ability to control the team and instill discipline to players. Not to mention the coach has become notorious for outbursts on the sideline. Most notably there was the incident with San Francisco head coach Jim Harbaugh that came when the two coaches went to shake hands.
Ford staying silent on Schwartz's future could mean a number of things. But the fact that he did not come out in heavy support indicts they are not totally sold on the head coach at the moment. Schwartz's .344 winning percentage is the worst in team history among coaches who have at least four seasons with the team.
Schwartz is currently in the first year of a three-year contract he signed with the team. It runs through 2015. It has been rumored that Ford had considered firing Schwartz once before because of his tarnished public image and he certainly would not hesitate considering the topic again.