Browns Coaching Carousel: Schwartz Declines Return, Monken Eyes Familiar Faces for Staff
In a twist that underscores just how complex NFL coaching dynamics can be, new Browns head coach Todd Monken made a strong push to bring back defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz - but the veteran coach declined the offer.
Even after being passed over for the head coaching job, Schwartz was reportedly approached by Monken, who tried to convince him to stay on and continue leading the defense. The Browns sweetened the pot with more money, but Schwartz ultimately turned them down. It wasn’t just about the paycheck - this was about timing, fit, and perhaps a bit of professional pride.
Schwartz still has two years left on his current deal, including a club option that runs through 2027. Because the Browns technically hold his rights, he wouldn’t be free to take another coaching job until 2028 unless Cleveland decides to release him from that contract - which, as of now, seems unlikely.
There’s a sense that Monken and Schwartz could have made a strong pairing. Both are cut from the same cloth: old-school football minds with a healthy respect for the modern game.
Tough, demanding, and innovative - that’s the kind of synergy the Browns were hoping to tap into. But with Schwartz out of the picture, Monken and the front office are shifting focus to the next wave of defensive leadership.
Two names have surfaced as potential replacements, both with ties to Schwartz during his time with the Texans: defensive pass game coordinator Cory Undlin and defensive backs coach Dino Vasso. Vasso, however, is already expected to return to Houston for the 2026 season, narrowing the field. That leaves Undlin as a possible external hire, but the Browns could also look inward.
Linebackers coach Jason Tarver and safeties coach Ephraim Banda are both in-house candidates who know the system and the personnel. Promoting from within would offer some continuity, which could be crucial as Monken looks to establish his vision without completely overhauling the defensive identity Schwartz helped build.
On the offensive side, there’s already been some reshuffling. Former tight ends coach Christian Jones is staying on but will now coach wide receivers.
That move comes after the Browns hired Jeff Blasko to take over as tight ends coach. It’s a subtle but meaningful shift as Monken assembles his staff - keeping familiar faces in new roles while bringing in fresh voices where needed.
The Browns are clearly trying to thread a needle here: maintaining some of the core that made last season’s defense one of the league’s best, while also giving Monken the latitude to shape the team in his image. Schwartz’s departure leaves big shoes to fill, but Cleveland isn’t short on options - and they’re moving quickly to find the right fit.