The situation in Cleveland is getting tense, and it starts with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
After being passed over for the Browns’ head coaching job in favor of Todd Monken, Schwartz didn’t hide his frustration. According to multiple reports, he said his goodbyes in the building and told fellow coaches he doesn’t plan on returning. That’s a big deal-not just because Schwartz is still under contract, but because this defense, one of the league’s most dominant units in 2025, was built in his image.
The Browns, for their part, still want Schwartz around. But now they’ve got a problem on their hands. This isn’t just about a coach feeling snubbed-this is about the emotional fallout of a major decision and what it could mean for the continuity of a top-tier defense.
Let’s be clear: Schwartz has every reason to feel slighted. He’s 59, the same age as Monken, and has previous head coaching experience with the Lions.
While it’s been over a decade since he held that role, his work in Cleveland this past season was nothing short of elite. His unit led the league in several key defensive categories, and his aggressive, no-nonsense style helped shape the Browns into one of the most feared defenses in football.
So when the Browns opted to go with Monken-a respected offensive mind, but someone who’s never been a head coach at the NFL level-it’s understandable that Schwartz might feel like his shot was taken away. If you’re passed over for a young, hotshot coordinator on the rise, maybe you chalk it up to timing.
But when it’s someone your age, with a comparable résumé, and no prior head coaching experience? That stings.
Now the Browns are in a holding pattern. Schwartz is under contract, but clearly not in the mood to stick around.
That’s not the kind of energy you want heading into a new regime. The front office and Monken will need to do some serious damage control if they want to convince Schwartz to stay-and even then, it might be too late.
If Schwartz does decide to move on, he won’t be short on options. San Francisco makes a lot of sense, especially if they’re looking to bring in a veteran defensive mind to stabilize things.
Buffalo could be another strong fit, given their recent turnover on that side of the ball. Wherever he lands, Schwartz brings instant credibility and a proven track record of building tough, disciplined defenses.
The Browns, meanwhile, would be left with a major void. Losing Schwartz would mean more than just finding a new play-caller-it would mean reshaping a defensive identity that’s been central to the team’s recent success. And for a franchise that’s been chasing stability for years, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
This isn’t just a personnel move. It’s a potential turning point.
Schwartz helped make Cleveland’s defense a force. If he walks, the Browns will have to prove they can keep that edge without him.