The Cleveland Browns' coaching shakeup has taken a dramatic turn, and it’s not just about who’s coming in - it’s also about who might be on the way out. Todd Monken’s arrival as the new head coach was met with plenty of intrigue, but behind the scenes, it’s stirred up some serious tension. Most notably, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was reportedly none too pleased after being passed over for the top job, and now his future in Cleveland is very much up in the air.
Schwartz, who still has time left on his contract, is said to have made it clear he doesn’t want to work under Monken. That’s a tough pill to swallow for the Browns, especially considering the impact Schwartz has had on the defensive side of the ball. Monken, for his part, is reportedly open to keeping Schwartz on staff, but there’s been no official word on whether the veteran coordinator is willing to stay.
What complicates things further is that most NFL teams have already filled their defensive coordinator positions, leaving Schwartz with limited options - though not none. One team to watch?
The Las Vegas Raiders. According to reports, Schwartz could be on the radar for the Raiders’ DC role, especially if Klint Kubiak - currently the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator - is officially named the next head coach in Vegas after the Super Bowl.
It’s an interesting twist. Schwartz wouldn’t be getting the head coaching gig he wanted, and he’d be joining a team with a less talented defense than the one he built in Cleveland.
But the opportunity to start fresh and potentially have more say in shaping a young unit could be appealing. Kubiak, despite being younger and less experienced, may look to pair his offensive mind with a seasoned defensive leader like Schwartz to balance things out.
And let’s be clear - Schwartz leaving would be a significant loss for the Browns. He’s not just a respected play-caller; he’s built strong relationships with his players, especially defensive cornerstone Myles Garrett. Garrett has made it known he’s not thrilled with the idea of Schwartz moving on, and that kind of player-coach bond isn’t easy to replicate.
Still, if Schwartz decides to walk, Monken will have decisions to make. Inside linebackers coach Jason Tarver is one name to watch.
He’s got an existing rapport with Monken and could offer some continuity. Another possibility?
Cory Undlin, currently a pass-game coordinator in Houston. He and Monken go back to their days in Jacksonville, and that familiarity could be a factor if the Browns look outside the building.
At the end of the day, this situation is layered. Schwartz has done excellent work in Cleveland, and if he chooses to stay, the Browns would be better for it.
But forcing him to stick around when the trust isn’t there - that’s a recipe for dysfunction. Monken is already bringing in several of his former assistants from Baltimore to help shape the offense, and the energy around that side of the ball is trending up.
The key now is ensuring that whatever happens on defense doesn’t derail that momentum.
This is a pivotal moment for the Browns. The offense is getting a fresh identity, but the defense - which has been a cornerstone of the team’s recent success - could be headed for a major transition. Whether Schwartz stays or goes, the next move will say a lot about how Monken plans to build his staff - and his vision for the Browns moving forward.