New York Jets outside linebacker assistant Mike Smith, defensive backs assistant Dennis Thurman, New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan and defensive line assistant Karl Dunbar watch from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will not return to the Buffalo Bills, who hired Rex Ryan as head coach on Monday.
Schwartz oversaw the fourth-ranked defense in the NFL. The Bills led the NFL in sacks.
According to ESPN.com, Schwartz met with Ryan to discuss staying on as defensive coordinator but differing defensive philosophies led Ryan to pursue Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman.
Thurman was defensive coordinator under Ryan in 2013 and 2014.
Thurman played cornerback at Southern Cal and was drafted in the 11th round of the 1978 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, where he played eight seasons.
He coached defensive backs with the Jets from 2008-2012 and worked with Ryan previously as a defensive assistant with the Baltimore Ravens.
