The Cleveland Browns are making headlines again - and not the kind that inspire confidence in long-term stability. On Wednesday, the team named Todd Monken their new head coach, a move that’s already sending ripples through the organization.
Monken, who spent the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, now takes the reins in Cleveland. But while the hire may bring offensive pedigree, it’s also triggered some unexpected fallout - and it starts with the defense.
Shortly after the announcement, reports surfaced that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, a respected figure in the Browns’ locker room and one of the architects behind their top-tier defense, was less than thrilled with the decision. According to those reports, Schwartz left the team facility and informed people in the organization that he wouldn’t be returning.
That’s a massive development on its own. But then came the social media post from Myles Garrett - and that’s when things really got interesting.
Garrett, the Browns’ franchise cornerstone and one of the most dominant pass rushers in the league, posted a cryptic message to his Instagram story shortly after the Schwartz news broke. It was loud, dramatic, and set off alarm bells across Browns fandom. While Garrett didn’t explicitly demand a trade, the implication was hard to ignore - especially given his close relationship with Schwartz and the timing of the post.
Let’s not forget: Garrett reportedly requested a trade just last year before ultimately signing a four-year, $160 million extension. That deal was seen as a recommitment to Cleveland, a signal that the team and its star were aligned on the future. But if Schwartz is truly out, that alignment may be in jeopardy once again.
And it’s not hard to see why. Under Schwartz, Cleveland’s defense wasn’t just good - it was elite.
In both 2023 and 2025, the Browns were among the NFL’s best on that side of the ball, and Garrett was the engine. He just wrapped up a season with 23 sacks, setting a new single-season franchise record.
His production hasn’t just been consistent - it’s been historic. Through his first nine seasons, he’s totaled 125.5 sacks and 23 forced fumbles.
That’s the kind of résumé that puts you in the Hall of Fame conversation, and it’s no coincidence that much of that dominance came under Schwartz’s watch.
So what now?
If Schwartz is truly gone, the Browns are facing a critical moment. Todd Monken may be a respected offensive mind, but his first challenge isn’t installing a new playbook - it’s damage control. That means aligning with Garrett, making sure the franchise’s most important player feels heard and valued, and finding a way to maintain defensive excellence even without the man who helped build it.
The front office and ownership are on the clock, too. Losing Schwartz would be a blow. Losing Garrett would be a disaster.
There’s still time to keep this from unraveling. Maybe Schwartz can be convinced to stay.
Maybe Monken can quickly build trust in the locker room. But one thing is clear: the Browns’ offseason just got a whole lot more complicated.