Lock screen won't reset to swipe from numeric My Galaxy Note 3 won't go back to swipe to unlock the home screen after I set it to a numeric code. I see a note on the screen that says "Android device administrator has turned off the...." or something to that effect. 

How can I remove my numeric lock and go back to using a swipe to unlock? Would unlocking or rooting help at all?
There are a number of reasons why you may not be able to downgrade to a swipe-unlock.

Exchange Email

If you have an Exchange email account set up, many times the Exchange admins won't let you connect unless your phone agrees to certain security precautions, such as setting up an unlock code.

Solution: Remove the account, or install an Email app that lies to the Exchange server, saying it is compliant when it really isn't.

Device Administrator

Check in Settings->Security->Device Administrators to see if there are any active apps listed. One or more may be requiring an unlock code.

Solution: Uncheck the apps listed. Note that those apps may no longer function properly.

Device Encryption

Not applicable in your specific situation, but enabling Device Encryption will also prevent you from removing a screen lock.