The Browns announced Friday that Jim Schwartz will step down as their defensive coordinator after the organization passed him over for the head coaching job. Because he resigned rather than being fired, Schwartz remains under contract with Cleveland and — per The Athletic’s Deanna Russini — is expected to miss the coming season and will not be free to pursue another position through the 2026 season.
Schwartz, 59, was brought in as defensive coordinator in 2003 and turned the unit into one of the NFL’s top-five defenses. Last year the Browns’ defense, led by five-time All-Pro and single-season sack leader Myles Garrett and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwezinger, allowed the fourth-fewest yards per game (283.6) and ranked third against the pass (167.2 ypg).
His strong results made him a leading internal candidate to replace the fired Kevin Stefanski, but the team opted to hire former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken instead — a decision that reportedly frustrated Schwartz and left him expecting a different outcome from the franchise. In his introductory press conference, Monken complimented Schwartz’s work on the defense but declined to say whether Schwartz would remain, calling it “a little inappropriate to comment on that at this point.”
Fan take: This is significant because removing or sidelining a proven coordinator can disrupt a top defense’s continuity and team chemistry. If Schwartz indeed sits out the season, it could alter the Browns’ defensive trajectory and signal how NFL clubs handle internal candidates for head-coaching vacancies.
