Jim Schwartz Upset After Browns Coaching Snub, Future in Cleveland Uncertain

CLEVELAND (Azat TV) – Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is reportedly “visibly upset” and “doesn’t plan on staying” with the team after being passed over for the head coaching position, which was awarded to former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken on Wednesday. The decision, which comes despite Schwartz’s successful three-year tenure leading one of the NFL’s top defenses, signals a significant shift for the Browns and could trigger a major ripple effect on their defensive staff and player roster, while also sparking immediate interest from other NFL franchises.

Browns Opt for Offensive Mindset

The Cleveland Browns officially announced the hiring of Todd Monken as their new head coach, following the departure of Kevin Stefanski. Monken, who turns 60 in early February, brings 37 years of coaching experience, including 11 in the NFL, and a reputation as a demanding, old-school coach with an exceptional offensive mind. His previous roles include offensive coordinator stints with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the University of Georgia, and most recently, the Baltimore Ravens.

Sources close to the Browns’ search indicated the team’s desperate desire to rebuild and prioritize its offense as the primary reason Monken prevailed over other candidates. During his three years calling plays for the Ravens, Monken’s offense consistently ranked high in points (4th, 3rd, 11th), rushing attempts (1st, 2nd, 3rd), and rushing yardage (1st, 1st, 2nd) among 32 NFL teams. He is also credited with helping quarterback Lamar Jackson improve as a passer, despite occasional clashes. Monken’s only prior head coaching experience was at Southern Mississippi from 2013-2015, where he transformed an 0-12 team into a 9-5 contender by his final season.

Jim Schwartz was one of three finalists for the head coaching vacancy, alongside Monken and Rams passing game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase. Reports from Cleveland.com indicate that while some, including columnist Terry Pluto, would have preferred Schwartz for his leadership and defensive prowess, the organization ultimately leaned towards an offensive-minded leader.

Schwartz’s Impact on Browns Defense

Jim Schwartz, the Browns’ three-year defensive coordinator and the 2023 AP Assistant Coach of the Year, has been instrumental in transforming Cleveland’s defense into one of the league’s most formidable units. Under his leadership, the Browns finished fourth in the NFL in total defense this season, allowing just 283.6 yards per game. Notably, Cleveland has been the only defense in the league to average fewer than 300 opponent yards per game since Schwartz took over.

Over his three-year tenure, the Browns’ defense has consistently ranked first in the NFL in several key categories, including third-down conversion percentage allowed (33.8%), first downs allowed per game (16.5), and total tackles for loss (342). This season, the unit also recorded 53 total sacks, the third-highest in the league, highlighted by Myles Garrett’s single-season league record of 23 sacks. His defenses have often performed exceptionally well, even when put in challenging situations by an underperforming offense, as noted by CBS Sports.

Schwartz was reportedly in the Browns’ facility in anticipation of being named head coach, making the decision to pass him over particularly jarring. He had interviewed twice for the role. His potential departure, despite having a year left on his contract through 2026, would represent a significant loss for the Browns, given the stability and elite performance he has brought to the defensive side of the ball.

The Ripple Effect and Future Prospects

Reports from NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero and ESPN indicate that Jim Schwartz’s discontent is profound, and he reportedly does not plan on staying with the Browns. While newly appointed head coach Todd Monken is reportedly “open” to retaining Schwartz as his defensive play-caller, sources suggest the feeling may not be mutual. CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones commented that while Schwartz is under contract, the Browns are unlikely to “hold him hostage.”

Schwartz’s potential exit could trigger a “ripple effect” that extends to other defensive staffers and even players, according to ESPN. His availability is already drawing significant attention across the league. The San Francisco 49ers, who are searching for a new defensive coordinator after Robert Saleh’s departure to become head coach of the Tennessee Titans, are among the teams expected to have keen interest in Schwartz. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has previously expressed strong admiration for Schwartz, stating in November 2025 that he considers him “one of the best who does it.”

The situation highlights the strategic tension within NFL franchises between prioritizing a complete offensive overhaul and maintaining a high-performing defensive unit. The Browns’ decision, while aimed at revitalizing their offense, immediately creates uncertainty and a potential talent drain on a cornerstone of their recent success, positioning Jim Schwartz as a highly sought-after commodity on the open market.