BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Jim Schwartz was a 34-year-old defensive assistant during the 1999 season.
It was his first year with the Tennessee Titans, and he doesn't remember a lot of glamour leading up to Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta. Yes, it was a new and exciting experience, but he was busy.
"In Tennessee, we didn't really get to experience a lot of this,'' Schwartz, defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles, said this week from Super Bowl LII. "First of all, the whole city was iced in, and it was hard to get around. There was no week in between (the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl), and as a coaching staff we were pretty much sequestered, we didn't have an extra week to prepare.
"We were burning the midnight oil just like regular season. We even stayed behind in Nashville for two days. So this is different. It is neat to be a part of this process."
Schwartz is back in the big game for the first time since. He's 51 now, with gray in his hair and several other jobs now in his rear-view mirror since leaving Nashville. After spending 10 seasons with the Titans, where he coached Pro Bowlers like LB Keith Bulluck, DE Kevin Carter, CB Cortland Finnegan, DT Albert Haynesworth, S Chris Hope, DE Jevon Kearse and DE Kyle Vanden Bosch under head coach Jeff Fisher, Schwartz served as head coach of the Lions from 2009-13. He was defensive coordinator for one year with the Bills in 2014, and then in 2016 he joined the Eagles.
After several years of being close in Tennessee – the Titans went to the playoffs four times in five years from 1999-2003, and played in two AFC title games – Schwartz is preparing to coach in Super Bowl LII on Sunday against the New England Patriots.
A lot has changed over the years, including Schwartz.
"Everybody changes with time," he told reporters during Super Bowl Opening Night. "Every step along the way you take, you gain greater knowledge, you gain greater depth, you gain better experience to use in the future. We're all a product of our past experiences, so those continue to go.
"I think anything you do in life you're going to learn from your experiences and that's what life's all about. You're constantly developing, whether you're a player, whether you're a coach, whether you're a writer. It's a long journey if you don't want to get stale, and I think that I've been very fortunate to be able to continue on a path and continue learning from some good people."
Schwartz, who grew up 90 miles from Philadelphia in Baltimore, didn't get sentimental when asked how special it is to be back in the big game. Yes, he's worked, and waited.
No, he's not caught up in any storyline involving him and his wait to get back.
He's focused on trying to slow down Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Schwartz's Eagles finished fourth in the NFL in both scoring and total defense this season.
"I think you appreciate every day in this league," said Schwartz, who served from 2001-08 as defensive coordinator in Tennessee. "You do everything you can just to get a win on Sunday. You appreciate those wins on September 12th and October 13th and the December wins, and the playoff wins. That's what this is all about. It is all about winning games and the goal each week is to try and develop a plan, and put the players in a position to win the game."
But he has a clear memory of what happened back in Super Bowl XXXIV, especially the ending. The Titans lost 23-16 to the St. Louis Rams as Kevin Dyson was tackled on the one-yard line on the final play of the game.
The Titans rallied from a 16-0 deficit to tie the game only to see the Rams win it with a late score, and stop.
"We started off poorly in the game, particularly defensively. We gave up a lot of yards," Schwartz said of the Titans. "But at halftime we were able to get it settled and were able to get back in that game. The thing that got us back in that game is we got back to our personality, and that was Steve McNair scrambling, Eddie George running the ball and playing good defense. That is what I remember the most.
"… Everybody's goal is to win a championship, and that is my No.1 goal. I have worn a lot of hats in the NFL, and never won the Super Bowl. And that has taken my full attention this week."
The Tennessee Titans take on the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photos)
The helmets of the St. Louis Rams, left, and Tennessee Titans flank the Vince Lombardi Trophy, which will be awarded to the winner of Sunday's Super Bowl XXXIV, at a news conference in Atlanta Sunday, Jan. 28, 2000. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) leads the offense against the St. Louis Rams defense during an NFL game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV on January 30, 2000 (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher listens to a reporter's question during the team's media session Thursday morning, Jan. 27, 2000 in Atlanta. Fisher and the Titans face the St. Louis Rams in Sunday's Super Bowl XXXIV. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Night falls over the Georgia Dome and the city of Atlanta on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000. The Georgia Dome is the site of Super Bowl XXXIV which will feature the St. Louis Rams against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
The last-minute preparations for Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
The last-minute preparations for Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans mascot and cheerleaders seen during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) takes the field before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over on Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
The Tennessee Titans run onto the field during the player introductions before a 23 - 16 loss to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Cheerleaders and teammates greet Tennessee Titan running back Eddie George during pre-game introductions at the Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on January 30, 2000. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Celebrated by fireworks and cheerleaders, the Tennessee Titans enter the field in a panoramic view at Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Titans 23 - 16. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) enters the field amid cheerleaders and fireworks at Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated theTitans 23 - 16. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Singer Faith Hill sings the National Anthem before the St. Louis Rams 23 - 16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Singer Phil Collins performs at halftime of Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tina Turner performs during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Lights-out halftime entertainment includes a full orchestra at Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans 23 - 16. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Dancers perform in the pregame show before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Christina Aguilera, left, and Enrique Iglesias perform during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
County music singer Travis Tritt performs in the pregame show before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
St. Louis Rams defenders Jay Williams (96) and Leonard Little (57) stop Tennessee Titans wide receiver Derrick Mason (85) during the first quarter of Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
St. Louis Rams middle linebacker London Fletcher (59) pulls down Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000. The Rams beat the Titans, 23-16.(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Derrick Mason (85) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) carries the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) gets set to throw a pass during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher huddles with his defense during an NFL Super Bowl XXXIV game against the St. Louis Rams on Jan. 30, 2000. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16. (Allen Kee via AP)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner (13) throws a pass over Tennessee Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse (90) during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titan safety Blaine Biship arrives at his designated target, St Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner a split second too late as Warner's pass is away. Action in first quarter of Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2000. Al Messerschmidt/NFL Photos (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23-16 Titans loss to the St. Louis Rams on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23-16 Titans loss to the St. Louis Rams on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23-16 Titans loss to the St. Louis Rams on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) huddles with head coach Jeff Fisher during an NFL Super Bowl XXXIV game against the St. Louis Rams on Jan. 30, 2000. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) and running back Lorenzo Neal (41) are seen during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23â€"16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
The Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams square off in Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 Rams victory on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans fans show support for running back Eddie George during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) in action during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebackers Joe Bowden (58) and Barron Wortham (52) are seen in action during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans guard Bruce Matthews (74) lines up while quarterback Steve McNair (9) changes the play during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory on Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) looks downfield during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher seen on the sideline during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair celebrates a touchdown against the St Louis Rams at Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2000. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) avoids a tackle from St. Louis Rams line backer Mike Morton (58) during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titan quarterback Steve McNair (9) runs from St Louis Ram linebacker London Fletcher at Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2000. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tenessee Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson (87) is tackled just short of the goal by St. Louis Rams' Mike Jones, left, on the last play of Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000. St. Louis defeated Tennessee 23-16. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson (87) of the reaches for the goal line in the final play of the fourth quarter while wrapped up by St. Louis Rams linebacker Mike Jones during Super Bowl XXXIV. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16 in the Geaogia Dome in Atlanta on January 30, 2000. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson (87) tries but fails to get the ball into the end zone as he is tackled by St. Louis Rams' Mike Jones (52) on the final play of Super Bowl XXXIV on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000, in Atlanta. The Rams won 23-16. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair talks with the press after Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Titans 23 - 16. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George talks with the media following the Titans 23 - 16 loss to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair meets with the press after Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Titans 23 - 16. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
