The NFL’s coaching carousel is in full spin, and some big-name defensive coordinator seats are suddenly wide open. The Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers are all in the market for a new defensive architect - and one of the league’s most respected minds might be about to hit the open market.
Let’s start with the lay of the land.
In Pittsburgh, the departure of longtime head coach Mike Tomlin has led to a full reset on the coaching staff. The Steelers didn’t retain their defensive assistants, and frankly, a fresh approach on that side of the ball felt overdue.
Pittsburgh’s defense has long been the team’s identity, but in recent years, it’s lacked the bite we’ve come to expect from the black and gold. With a new regime incoming, the Steelers have a prime opportunity to reestablish their defensive swagger.
Out west, both the Chargers and 49ers are replacing coordinators who just earned promotions. Robert Saleh is heading to Tennessee to take over the Titans, while Jesse Minter is off to Baltimore to become the Ravens’ new head coach. That’s a testament to the quality of both defenses - and the challenge now is maintaining that standard with a new voice at the helm.
And just as these three teams are searching, a major name might be entering the mix.
According to reports, Jim Schwartz - Cleveland’s defensive coordinator and the architect of one of the league’s most physical, disruptive units - is likely on his way out. The Browns have reportedly chosen to hire Todd Monken as their next head coach, and Schwartz didn’t take the news lightly. He was reportedly upset after being passed over and said his goodbyes to staff in the building, suggesting he won’t be back in Cleveland next season.
That’s a potential game-changer.
Schwartz has long been considered one of the sharpest defensive minds in the league. His resume includes multiple top-tier units and a reputation for building aggressive, fundamentally sound defenses that thrive under pressure. He’s not just a schematic coach - he’s a tone-setter, the kind of presence that can reshape a team’s identity.
So now the question becomes: where does he land?
In San Francisco, the expectation is that Gus Bradley will be promoted from within - a move Kyle Shanahan has already hinted at. Shanahan called Bradley the “obvious” internal candidate and spoke highly of the veteran coach’s presence on the staff.
Bradley has the experience and the trust of the locker room, which makes him a logical choice. But with someone like Schwartz now potentially available, the Niners may at least take a look.
After all, this is a team built to win now, and Schwartz brings a proven track record of elevating already-talented defenses.
The Chargers, meanwhile, could make a compelling case. Pairing Schwartz with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel would give Los Angeles one of the most well-rounded, high-IQ coaching duos in the league.
McDaniel’s offensive creativity and Schwartz’s defensive discipline would be a tough combo for any opponent. For a team that’s been searching for consistency and toughness, particularly on defense, Schwartz could be the missing piece.
And then there’s Pittsburgh. If Schwartz is feeling slighted by how things played out in Cleveland, what better way to respond than by joining an AFC North rival?
The Steelers are in need of a defensive leader who can restore the unit’s edge, and Schwartz fits that mold. Whether new head coach Mike McCarthy sees him as the right fit remains to be seen, but it’s a scenario worth watching.
One thing’s clear: Schwartz won’t be out of work long - if he’s truly on the move. He’s too smart, too respected, and too effective to stay on the sidelines. And for teams like the Chargers, 49ers, and Steelers, that could be a golden opportunity to land a defensive difference-maker.