The Las Vegas Raiders are in full staff-building mode under new head coach Klint Kubiak, and while much of the focus has been on familiar faces from his Seattle days, there’s a notable name surfacing from outside the Pacific Northwest: Jim Schwartz.
Yes, that Jim Schwartz - the veteran defensive mind known for his aggressive schemes and even more aggressive sideline demeanor. His name is now being floated as a potential candidate for the Raiders’ defensive coordinator role, and the situation surrounding his availability is anything but straightforward.
Let’s unpack it.
Schwartz’s Exit from Cleveland: More Than Just a Resignation
Schwartz recently stepped down as the Browns' defensive coordinator, and on the surface, it looked like a clean break. But the reality is far more complicated.
Despite his resignation, Schwartz is still under contract with Cleveland through 2026, with a team option for 2027. And the Browns haven’t officially released him to pursue other opportunities.
So what gives?
According to reports, Schwartz was one of the finalists for the Browns’ head coaching job after they parted ways with Kevin Stefanski. When the team opted instead to hire former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Schwartz wasn’t just disappointed - he was reportedly livid. That emotional fallout led to his decision to walk away from the role, but not from his contractual obligations.
And here’s where it gets tricky: assistant coaches can’t be traded, so if the Raiders want Schwartz, and the Browns aren’t ready to let him go, the two teams would need to get creative. There’s talk that some kind of compensation could be worked out in a separate deal - a workaround that would allow Schwartz to land in Vegas without violating league rules.
Why Schwartz Makes Sense for Vegas
From a football standpoint, the fit is compelling.
Kubiak is an offensive-minded coach, and pairing him with a defensive coordinator like Schwartz - someone who has not only been a head coach but also built top-tier defenses - would bring balance and experience to the staff. Schwartz’s trademark style is all about pressure and disruption.
His defenses attack, they dictate, and they make quarterbacks uncomfortable. That’s exactly the kind of identity a young Raiders team could use on the defensive side of the ball.
And let’s not forget: Schwartz has a track record of getting the most out of his personnel. Whether it was in Tennessee, Detroit, Philadelphia, or most recently Cleveland, his units have consistently ranked near the top in key defensive metrics, especially when it comes to getting after the quarterback.
The Leverage Game
Of course, this isn’t just about Xs and Os. There’s a chess match happening behind the scenes.
Schwartz, still technically under contract, has a move he could play: the old “quit and return” gambit. If Monken hires a new defensive coordinator, Schwartz could theoretically inform the Browns that he’s changed his mind and wants back in. That would force Cleveland’s hand - either bring him back, release him outright, or risk a standoff that might draw in the league office.
It’s a bold move, but then again, Schwartz has never shied away from a little friction. That edge is part of what’s made him successful in the league. But it also means any team that brings him in - including the Raiders - needs to be ready for the full Schwartz experience.
Kubiak’s Calculated Risk?
If the Raiders do manage to land Schwartz, it would be a statement move. It would show that Kubiak isn’t afraid to bring in strong voices, even ones with head coaching aspirations of their own.
But it also comes with a layer of intrigue. If things go sideways in Vegas - if the offense sputters or the team struggles early - and Schwartz is standing on the sideline with a proven track record and a fiery presence, the whispers could start.
That’s the double-edged sword of hiring someone with Schwartz’s pedigree. He could elevate the defense to new heights - maybe even build the kind of unit that carried Seattle to a Super Bowl - but he’s also the kind of coach who commands attention, and sometimes, that spotlight gets a little too close to the head coach’s chair.
Bottom Line
There’s mutual interest between Schwartz and the Raiders, and the football fit makes a lot of sense. But until the Browns make a decision - whether that’s releasing him, negotiating a deal, or holding firm - this remains one of the more intriguing coaching subplots of the offseason.
If it does come together, though, the Raiders might just be pairing a rising offensive mind with one of the most battle-tested defensive strategists in the game. And that combination could make some serious noise in the AFC.