The Cleveland Browns have a new head coach in Todd Monken, but the transition might not be all smooth sailing-especially on the defensive side of the ball. Reports suggest that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who was passed over for the top job, may not be sticking around much longer. While he’s still under contract, it’s looking more and more like the Browns could be preparing to move on.
That leaves Monken with a big decision right out of the gate: who’s going to run the defense?
And make no mistake-this isn’t just any defense. Cleveland’s unit is loaded with talent and has been one of the league’s most consistent bright spots.
That kind of foundation is bound to attract plenty of interest from coaches across the league. Whether Monken looks internally, dips into the college ranks, or aims for a high-profile name, he’ll have options.
Let’s take a look at three names Browns fans should keep an eye on if Schwartz is, in fact, out the door.
Zach Orr - Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens
Monken has already dipped into the Ravens’ coaching pool, bringing over run game coordinator Travis Switzer and offensive line coach George Warhop. So why not keep the pipeline flowing?
Zach Orr is an intriguing candidate. He’s young, energetic, and has been rising through the ranks in Baltimore.
But there’s a caveat-Baltimore’s defense wasn’t exactly lights out this past season. They gave up 23.4 points per game and ranked near the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed (247.9 per game).
That’s not a great look.
Still, context matters. The Ravens were dealing with injuries and inconsistency, and Orr was working with a unit that didn’t always make his job easy.
Plus, Cleveland’s personnel is a significant upgrade. With the right pieces in place, Orr’s aggressive, fast-flowing style could thrive in a system that’s already built to dominate.
And with Jesse Minter stepping in as Baltimore’s new head coach-someone with a defensive background of his own-there’s no guarantee Orr will stay put. If he becomes available, Monken could see him as a fresh, high-upside hire.
Jason Tarver - Linebackers Coach, Cleveland Browns
If Monken wants continuity, Jason Tarver might be the best bet. He’s been in Cleveland longer than head coach Kevin Stefanski and knows this defense inside and out. That kind of familiarity can’t be overstated, especially when you’re trying to keep a top-tier unit humming through a coaching change.
Tarver’s résumé includes a three-year stint as defensive coordinator with the then-Oakland Raiders from 2012 to 2014, so he’s no stranger to the demands of the role. And his work in Cleveland has been impressive. He’s helped develop players like Devin Bush, guided rookie Carson Schwesinger through a breakout year, and kept things steady despite injuries to key guys like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
He’s respected in the locker room, knows how to connect with players, and has already earned the trust of the organization. If the Browns want to promote from within and keep building on what Schwartz started, Tarver is the logical choice.
Raheem Morris - Former Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons
If the Browns want to swing big, Raheem Morris should be on their radar.
Yes, his head coaching tenure with the Falcons didn’t pan out the way he hoped. But Morris has long been considered one of the sharpest defensive minds in the league. He’s coached just about every position on defense and has served as a coordinator and interim head coach in multiple stops.
With the kind of roster Cleveland has on defense-top-tier talent at every level-Morris could step in and immediately elevate the group. He brings experience, leadership, and a reputation for getting the most out of his players. He’s also a name that commands respect, which could help stabilize the locker room during a time of transition.
Of course, Morris won’t be short on suitors. The Browns would likely have to compete with other teams for his services. But if they’re serious about maintaining their defensive dominance, Morris is the kind of hire that signals intent.
The Bottom Line
Todd Monken’s biggest challenge in Cleveland might not be fixing the offense-it could be preserving what’s already working on defense. With Jim Schwartz potentially on his way out, the Browns are staring at a pivotal decision. Whether they opt for familiarity with Tarver, take a chance on a rising star like Orr, or go big with a proven name like Morris, the next defensive coordinator will inherit one of the most talented groups in the league.
And with expectations high in Cleveland, the margin for error is razor-thin. Whoever gets the nod will be expected to keep this defense operating at an elite level-and maybe even take it to new heights.