Defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham and offensive coordinator Scott Linehan were fired, too, a source told The Detroit News.
The source requested anonymity because the Lions had not made the announcement of the firings.
Schwartz’s firing was first reported by ESPN.
Schwartz compiled a record of 29-51 with one playoff loss in five seasons in Detroit. More incriminating, perhaps, was the team’s record in the second halves of those five seasons: 11-30. They haven’t won a game in December since December 2011.
The Lions were 14-26 in Schwartz’s first 40 games in Detroit, and they’re 15-26 in the 41 games since, including that lone playoff loss.
The 1-6 collapse down the stretch this season was the final straw. The Lions were 6-3 and had a two-game lead in the NFC North. On top of that, both the Bears and Packers were playing with backup quarterbacks.
In all six losses, the team was ahead in the fourth quarter.
“Obviously, we didn’t win enough games this year,” Schwartz said Sunday. “And there’s no standard really to judge other than that. And I understand that, in this business.”