The Las Vegas Raiders may have their eyes on a familiar-and highly respected-defensive mind to help reshape their defense under new head coach Klint Kubiak. According to multiple league sources, Jim Schwartz, the former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator, is firmly on the Raiders’ radar, and there’s mutual interest in making it happen. But as with many things in the NFL, it’s not quite that simple.
Schwartz, a veteran coach with a Super Bowl ring and a reputation for crafting aggressive, disciplined defenses, is reportedly open to joining forces with Kubiak in Las Vegas. That interest isn’t one-sided.
Raiders minority owner Tom Brady-yes, that Tom Brady-is said to be a strong supporter of Schwartz’s potential addition to the staff. Brady, now deeply involved in the league as a broadcaster and part-owner, has reportedly voiced his backing for Schwartz internally.
Kubiak, stepping into his first head coaching role, could benefit tremendously from Schwartz’s experience. Not only has Schwartz served as a defensive coordinator for multiple teams, but he’s also been a head coach himself, most notably with the Detroit Lions. That kind of leadership and institutional knowledge could be a stabilizing force for a young coaching staff looking to establish its identity.
League insiders believe the fit makes a lot of sense. Executives around the NFL reportedly view Schwartz as a top-tier candidate for the Raiders’ DC job, and there’s growing expectation within coaching circles that he’ll ultimately land in Vegas.
One source close to the situation put it plainly: “Schwartz wants to be in Vegas. That’s where he’s going to end up.”
But there’s a catch-and it’s a big one.
Schwartz stepped away from the Browns after being passed over for their head coaching job, which went to Todd Monken. At the time of his resignation, the expectation was that Schwartz would sit out the 2026 season.
Whether that still holds true is unclear, especially given the Raiders’ interest. In the NFL, plans have a way of changing quickly, and this situation seems fluid.
There’s also a contractual wrinkle to consider. While Schwartz resigned from his role in Cleveland, he’s still technically under contract with the Browns.
That means he can’t simply walk into a new role with another team-at least not without some form of agreement between the two organizations. Assistant coaches can’t be traded, but informal arrangements or separation agreements sometimes clear the path.
As of now, it’s not known whether such an agreement exists between Schwartz and the Browns.
So while the Raiders’ pursuit of Schwartz makes a ton of football sense, there’s still some red tape to navigate. If Las Vegas can work through it, they’d be landing one of the league’s most respected defensive strategists-someone who could immediately elevate a unit that’s struggled to find consistency in recent years.
And for Kubiak, having a seasoned coach like Schwartz in his corner could be invaluable as he begins his first campaign leading an NFL team. It’s the kind of pairing that could set the tone for a new era in Raiders football.
That said, the Raiders aren’t without alternatives. Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde is reportedly another name to watch in this search. But if Vegas can clear the path for Schwartz, it’s hard to argue against the upside of bringing in a proven leader with a track record of building top-tier defenses.