As the 49ers' search for a defensive coordinator continues, Jim Schwartz's name is emerging as a favorite.
The San Francisco 49ers could soon find themselves with an unexpected opportunity to reshape their defensive staff, and it’s one they won’t ignore.
With Robert Saleh no longer in the building, San Francisco is in the market for a new defensive coordinator.
While Kyle Shanahan has publicly pointed to Gus Bradley as his preferred internal candidate, developments in Cleveland may present San Francisco with an intriguing outside option in Jim Schwartz.
The Browns officially named Todd Monken as their new head coach on Wednesday, a decision that passed over Schwartz, who had been viewed as a serious contender for the job.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the 49ers “would likely have interest” in Schwartz should he become available.
That report was quickly followed by indications that Schwartz does not plan to remain in Cleveland, having reportedly said his goodbyes after learning he was not selected.
Schwartz’s coaching résumé speaks for itself, having been a fixture on NFL sidelines since the early 1990s and serving as either a head coach or defensive coordinator every year since 2001, aside from a brief two-year gap.
He has coordinated defenses for the Titans, Bills, Eagles, and Browns, and led the Detroit Lions as head coach from 2009 to 2013.
Most recently, Schwartz played a major role in Cleveland’s defensive dominance, as the Browns consistently fielded one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses from 2023 through 2025.
From a schematic standpoint, Schwartz could provide a relatively smooth transition in San Francisco.
His defensive principles overlap with those used under Saleh, meaning the 49ers’ young defenders wouldn’t be forced to learn a completely new system.
That familiarity could help maintain continuity for a roster built to win now.
There would be stylistic adjustments. San Francisco has leaned toward a rush-four, low-blitz philosophy, while Schwartz is more willing to lean into man coverage and pressure concepts.
Still, his résumé includes coordinating the Super Bowl-winning Eagles defense in 2017, a reminder of what his approach can achieve at its peak.
Bradley remains the safest internal option, but if Schwartz officially hits the open market, the 49ers may find it difficult to pass on a seasoned defensive mind with a proven history of elite results.
If Schwartz truly wants out of Cleveland, he may have to force the issue, much like Shanahan did in 2015 when he maneuvered his way out of Washington.
That possibility adds intrigue, but also uncertainty, to any potential pursuit.