Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, left, is sacked by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 14-13. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
December 30, 2013 - 9:20 AM
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - The Detroit Lions have fired coach Jim Schwartz.
The Lions made the move Monday, one day after they ended their late-season slide with a loss at Minnesota.
Detroit flopped to a 7-9 record this year after a 6-3 record start put the franchise in a position to win a division title for the first time since 1993.
Schwartz was 29-51 over five seasons, including a 10-6 mark in 2011 that lifted the Lions to their only post-season appearance this century. The former Tennessee Titans defensive co-ordinator was hired in 2009 when Detroit was coming off the NFL's first 0-16 season. Schwartz had the team going in the right direction during his first three seasons before it took a step back the next two years.
___
Online:
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org
News from © The Associated Press, 2013