Could Jim Schwartz take the fall after an extremely disappointing Lions season?
According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, it looks as though the high-ups in the Lions organization including owner William Clay Ford and his son and vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. could review the status of Schwartz as the season comes to an end this Sunday.
Lions reviewing Schwartz's status, sources say http://t.co/0H6BvwIb
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 30, 2012
League sources say that the issues that have troubled owner William Clay Ford and his son, vice chairman Bill Ford Jr., pertain to the team’s image and the coach’s management style.
This past week Schwartz denied allegations that he’s had a stormy relationship with general manager Martin Mayhew. Schwartz though was largely credited with the team’s turnaround after the Lions went 0-16 back in 2008.
Nevertheless, league sources say that even during the playoff season, the Fords were disturbed by a number of incidents that fell under Schwartz’s domain. Schwartz’s occasional gruff management personality also has come under scrutiny and will be addressed by ownership if Schwartz is back in 2013.
During this past offseason the Lions head coach was signed to a contract extension. Now although details of the contract haven’t been released it’s been speculated that it runs through the 2015 season.
h/t: ESPN
