It wasn't long ago that Gunther Cunningham was considered one of the league's best defensive coordinators. He was responsible for those dominating Chiefs defenses of the late 1990s, but, unsurprisingly, had less success in recent seasons in Kansas City. In fact, according to Football Outsiders, the '08 Chiefs ranked 28th in total defense and were equally as inept against the rush as the pass (coincidentally, 28th in both categories). New Lions head coach Jim Schwartz was unmoved by Cunningham's struggles of late, and has named him Detroit's new defensive coordinator. The two worked together in Tennessee for three seasons, and, according to Schwartz, "instantly bonded, literally in about the first hour of conversation."
Cunningham is known for his intensity, which is something the Lions defense had been lacking under Rod Marinelli.
"Every minute of every day is fourth down-and-1 to Gunther," Schwartz said at the site of Saturday's Senior Bowl. "We're going to need that kind of attitude." ...Change isn't always for the better, but in the case of the Detroit Lions, it's fantastic news. Schwartz is a young, smart coach who is surrounding himself with guys he can trust. There's still a long way to go, but, it's a start. And more than that, there's hope -- something Lions fans haven't had in a very long time.
"...We used to talk - however many years it's been, five years ago, six years ago - about crossing paths in the future. And honestly it's an honor for me to have him on my staff. It would really be an honor for me to work for him. There's a lot of mutual respect," Schwartz said.
NFL Coaching Carousel
Hired: Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions
Schwartz, who had been Tennessee's defensive coordinator, inherits a Detroit team that finished 0-16 in 2008. He recently added Gunter Cunningham to his first staff as defensive coordinator. Click through for more NFL head coaching changes.
Carlos Osorio, AP
Hired: Rex Ryan, New York Jets
The well-liked Ryan landed his first head-coaching gig in the Big Apple, where he will lead the Jets. Ryan spent the past four seasons as Baltimore's defensive coordinator, leading one of the NFL's top defenses.
Mike Derer, AP
Hired: Steve Spagnuolo, St. Louis Rams
One of the most sought-after head coaching prospects in the league, Spagnuolo will move from his position as the Giants defensive coordinator to St. Louis, where he will try and rebuild the Rams.
Evan Pinkus, Getty Images
Hired: Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs twice promoted Morris once the 2008 season ended. Initially, he was tabbed as the team's new defensive coordinator, replacing Monte Kiffin. Then, when the team canned Jon Gruden, Morris ascended to head coach.
Chris O'Meara, AP
Fired: Jon Gruden, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Both Gruden and general manager Bruce Allen are canned after the team collapsed following a 9-3 start and failed to make the playoffs. It's a stunning turn of events for the coach who brought Tampa Bay a Super Bowl title in 2003.
Reinhold Matay, AP
Hired: Jim Caldwell, Indianapolis Colts
Caldwell will step in for Tony Dungy as the new head coach of the Colts. Dungy hired Caldwell in Tampa Bay in 2001, then brought him to Indianapolis in 2002. Last year, Caldwell was tabbed as Dungy's heir.
Al Behrman, AP
Retired: Tony Dungy, Indianapolis Colts
Perhaps the most well-respected coach in all of the NFL, Dungy announced his retirement after seven seasons with the Colts. Dungy racked up 139 wins in Tampa Bay and Indianapolis and won a Super Bowl title.
Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images
Hired: Josh McDaniels, Denver Broncos
The 32-year-old McDaniels will take over for Mike Shanahan in Denver. McDaniels had been New England's offensive coordinator, and helped groom quarterbacks Tom Brady and Matt Cassel.
Bill Sikes, AP
Fired: Mike Shanahan, Denver Broncos
An incredible late-season collapse ended Shanahan's 14-year run with Denver. The Broncos led the AFC West by three games with three weeks left, but lost the division title in a Week 17 blowout loss to San Diego.
David Zalubowski, AP
Hired: Jim Mora, Seattle Seahawks
After being fired by the Falcons in 2006, Mora latched on with Seattle as an assistant coach. In early 2008, Mora signed a long-term deal with the Seahawks to make him the new head coach once Mike Holmgren retired.
Kevin Terrell, Getty Images
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-21-2009 @ 6:08PM
J.P. Perkins said...
Schwartz learned from Jeff Fisher the value of having first class position coaches & co-ordinators.Nobody does more with less than the Titans year in & year out & Schwartz was one of the reasons why.Detroit finally got it right by hiring him & I look for immediate substantial improvement.No they won't make the playoffs next year but I fully expect them to win 4-6 games.
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