The Cleveland Browns are closing in on their next head coach, narrowing the field to five candidates. But before they can make a final decision, there’s one more important box to check: completing an in-person interview with a minority or female candidate to satisfy the Rooney Rule.
Once that’s done, the Browns are expected to move quickly. And when they do, the ripple effects could be felt most immediately on the defensive side of the ball.
That’s where Jim Schwartz’s future comes into focus.
Schwartz, the architect of one of the league’s most dominant defenses last season, remains under contract. But with three of the five remaining head-coaching finalists coming from offensive backgrounds - including two young, first-time candidates in Grant Udinski and Nathan Scheelhaase - there’s no guarantee Schwartz will stick around. Whether it’s by his own choice or because a new coach wants to build his own staff, the Browns may need to prepare for a world without him.
That’s not to say they’re unprepared. In fact, they may already have a strong internal option ready to step up: safeties coach Ephraim Banda.
Banda has quietly become a respected figure in Cleveland’s defensive room. Since joining the Browns in 2023, he’s helped shape one of the stingiest secondaries in the league.
The Browns allowed just 167.2 passing yards per game last season - third-best in the NFL - and were the only team that didn’t allow a single 300-yard passer all year. That’s no small feat in today’s pass-heavy league.
Under Banda’s guidance, Grant Delpit put together the best season of his career, racking up 108 tackles and emerging as a tone-setter in the secondary. Banda’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed around the league, either. He’s interviewed for defensive coordinator jobs with the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys this offseason, and he was in the mix for the Indianapolis Colts’ DC job a year ago.
At 44, Banda brings a blend of youth, energy, and experience. He’s called plays before - serving as defensive coordinator at both Miami (FL) and Utah State - and he’s earned a reputation as a strong communicator and teacher. If Schwartz does move on, Banda could be a natural successor who keeps the defensive system intact while adding his own wrinkles.
That said, the Browns haven’t closed the door on keeping Schwartz. There’s still hope within the building that he’ll stay on in some capacity, even if he’s passed over for the head-coaching job.
But that’s not a guarantee. Schwartz may not be eager to stick around if the team decides to go with a younger, first-time head coach.
And from the new head coach’s perspective, there’s always the possibility of wanting to assemble a fresh staff.
Schwartz has certainly earned the right to be in the mix. Over his three years in Cleveland, he’s transformed the defense into one of the league’s most feared units.
His aggressive, attacking scheme brought out the best in Myles Garrett and turned the Browns into a matchup nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. If the Browns had considered a midseason coaching change in 2025, Schwartz would’ve been a logical choice for interim head coach - and perhaps even a long-term option.
But now, with the Browns leaning toward a new direction, there are fair questions about whether Schwartz is the right fit for the top job. His previous head-coaching experience brings value, but it also comes with baggage - and expectations. Whether he stays or goes, the Browns’ choice at head coach will likely reshape the defensive staff.
One thing’s clear: if Cleveland needs to pivot, they’ve got a promising option already in the building. Ephraim Banda might not be a household name yet, but he’s earned the respect of players and coaches alike. And if called upon, he could be ready to take the next step.