New York Giants: 10 Potential Defensive Coordinator Replacements For Perry Fewell

Dec 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz on the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Schwartz

Current Position: Defensive Coordinator Buffalo Bills

There is no guarantee that Schwartz will be someone the Giants can interview because he is still under contract with the Buffalo Bills. But, with Doug Marrone quitting as head coach, whoever the Bills hire may want to bring his own staff along, which would make Schwartz a free agent and one of the most sought after coaches on the market.

Under Schwartz watch this season, the Bills finished fourth in the NFL in both yards allowed per game and points per game, making them one of the stingiest defenses in the league. They led the NFL in sacks with 54, led by Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus and Jerry Hughes. They were one of the most opportunistic units in the NFL as well, finishing in the top-10 of interceptions and fumble recoveries in the season.

Could Schwartz be the man to get the Giants defense back to the attacking, opportunistic style that helped lead them to two Super Bowl titles under Coughlin? His track record says that he might be. Schwartz’s fiery demeanor and style of defense would also go right in line with the passion and fire Coughlin shows as head coach.

One thing working against Schwartz was that the Bills were the second most penalized defense in the NFL behind only the Detroit Lions, his former team. As anyone knows, the one thing Coughlin hates is penalties. That is one thing Schwartz would have to clean up, as his Lions teams were notorious troublemakers and routinely ranked near the top of the penalties lists.

Next: San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator