ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz woke up this morning knowing his job is secure.

Schwartz signed a contract extension this offseason that has remained more secretive than a Seal Team 6 operation. Nobody knows if Schwartz's extension was for two or 10 years, but regardless, his job will not be posted on Craigslist anytime soon. Schwartz does not have to worry about looking over his shoulder during Detroit's final three games.

Instead, all Schwartz has to do is talk about how the margin of error is so close in the NFL. He can remind us how many games came down to one play this season. Schwartz can start off a sentence by saying he does not want to use injuries as an excuse, but then give a lengthy explanation about how injuries have contributed to Detroit's 4-9 record and a 27-20 loss against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night.

It is unfortunate Schwartz does not have to look over his shoulder.

He deserves to be on the hot seat.

Schwartz's team is on a five-game losing streak, and while we think/hope Detroit will defeat Arizona this weekend, none of us are betting on victories against Atlanta or Chicago to close out this disappointing season.

His coaching decisions contributed to two loses this year -- running on third-and-5 against Indianapolis with nearly a minute remaining and throwing a challenge flag that cost his team a touchdown against the Houston Texans. The Lions are the first team to lose three straight games when leading with two minutes left in regulation since San Diego did it in 2000, and the first since at least since 1983 to blow leads that late in three home games in a row. Detroit is now 0-5 in the NFC North with one division game remaining.



Schwartz has more loses than previous coach Rod Marinelli. Schwartz's overall coaching record is 22-39 in four years, while Marinelli was 10-38 in three seasons. The current coach has one winning record in four seasons. Schwartz did not defeat a team that finished with a winning record last season. Detroit's victory against Seattle the only win against a team that currently has a winning record.

The coach loses his composure, and has the head goes, so goes the body.

Under his watch, there were seven arrests this offseason. It might be unfair to put all the blame for

but Schwartz did not prevent it. He allowed Young to stretch on the front line with the captains and leaders when he clearly was not ready for that role, and failed to instill respect or fear into his young player.

What about Martin Mayhew? Doesn't he deserve to be in this conversation?

Not yet.

Mayhew's job is to assemble a team, and it is Schwartz's job to get the most out of their talent. I disagree with Mayhew's philosophy of drafting the best available player as opposed to need, but ask yourself a few simple questions.

Let's say Detroit did not make any changes to its roster in 2013. The Lions did not go after any premier free agents. They drafted another receiver in the second-round. Detroit re-signed the majority of its free agents. Basically, the same roster you see today.

Now let's say that same roster was handed over to one of the following three coaches. What are your expectations?

Jon Gruden - playoffs, possibly a Super Bowl?

Bill Cowher - playoffs, possibly a Super Bowl?

Andy Reid - at least the playoffs every year?

Each coach has a proven history of success. You would expect each coach to draw up a great game plan, and make in-game adjustments. Each coach would command respect in Detroit's locker room. Even if you are not sold on Reid, it is hard to argue against Gruden and Cowher's coaching abilities.

Somebody could do a better coaching job with the team Mayhew assembled, which is why I am not ready to cast him aside right now. I am willing to give Mayhew another offseason to see if he develops a better draft strategy and becomes more aggressive in free agency.

Now take a deep breath and think about your expectations under Schwartz.

Will he challenge Matthew Stafford to work on his throwing mechanics this offseason? Will the former defensive coordinator work on a scheme to improve his defense? Are any players worried about disappointing him by getting into trouble this offseason?

Does it matter?

Schwartz has job security.

He deserves to be on the hot seat.