Lions coach Jim Schwartz downplays facing former boss Jeff Fisher

ALLEN PARK, Mich. - When Jim Schwartz leads the Lions onto the turf at Ford Field Sunday afternoon, he'll see a familiar face on the opposing sideline.

His former boss, Jeff Fisher, is now the head coach in St. Louis. After working under Fisher from 1999-2008, this is the first time Schwartz will coach against his longtime mentor.

Usually private about emotions or his personal feelings, the Lions head coach is keeping his feelings on this reunion in check.

"Coach never talks about stuff like that. He just wants to win," Stephen Tulloch said.

Tulloch played for Fisher in Tennessee from 2006-10, where Schwartz was the defensive coordinator for eight seasons before leaving for Detroit. He knows both coaches as well as any player in the league.

"I'm excited about it. I know deep down inside, he's probably excited about it," Tulloch revealed.

Fisher visited Lions practices a handful of times since agreeing to a buyout with the Titans in 2011. The friendship is there, and the result is clear: Schwartz runs the Lions much like Fisher ran the Titans.

When Schwartz was asked about Sunday, and seeing Fisher as a foe, his response was concise.

"It's Lions playing the Rams, that's what it is," he said.

Kyle Vanden Bosch worked with both coaches during his time as a Titans defensive end from 2005-09. He's not exactly handing out invitations to a warm postgame reception.

"I had a great relationship with Coach Fisher, and I'll be sure to shake his hand and say good luck, but it's not any different than any other game," he said.

The Lions host St. Louis in the season opener at 1 pm Sunday.

Brad Galli is a Sports Reporter for WXYZ Detroit. Follow Brad on Twitter: @BradGalli .