San Francisco eyes a veteran defensive mind. Jim Schwartz, a respected former Browns coordinator, looms as a strong potential addition to the 49ers' staff.
The San Francisco 49ers’ search for a new defensive coordinator has remained relatively quiet as the offseason gets underway, with very little concrete information emerging publicly. While assistant head coach Gus Bradley has been viewed as the top internal candidate, the organization appears content to survey the broader landscape as other coaching situations around the league continue to develop.
On Wednesday, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that the 49ers could be monitoring the situation involving Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Schwartz, who interviewed for Cleveland’s head coaching vacancy, was recently informed he would not be hired for the position. Despite remaining under contract, Schwartz has reportedly told people inside the Browns’ building that he does not plan to return.
“The 49ers, among others, would likely have interest in Jim Schwartz if and when he becomes available,” Pelissero wrote. “Schwartz was in the Browns facility the past couple days in anticipation of being named head coach. But he'd already told people that if he were passed over, he wasn't staying.”
Cleveland is expected to hire former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as its next head coach, a move that could expedite Schwartz’s exit and formally open the door for interested teams. Until that process plays out, Schwartz’s future remains unresolved, but his availability would immediately make him one of the most accomplished defensive coordinators on the market.
San Francisco is searching for a new defensive coordinator after Robert Saleh departed to become the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, ending his second stint with the organization. Saleh’s departure leaves the 49ers with a major decision to make, as the defense has been a cornerstone of their success under head coach Kyle Shanahan. The team must now decide whether to prioritize continuity or pursue a veteran outside hire with a long track record of success.
Bradley remains a logical internal option. He has familiarity with the scheme, strong relationships in the building, and years of experience coordinating elite defenses around the league. However, Schwartz would represent a more aggressive outside alternative. His defenses have consistently ranked among the league’s best in pressure rate, run defense, and overall physicality, most recently with Cleveland.
Shanahan has openly expressed admiration for Schwartz in the past, particularly ahead of the 49ers’ regular-season matchup against the Browns in November 2025.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Jim,” Shanahan said at the time. “I think he’s one of the best who does it. He’s done it for a while.”
Shanahan also detailed what makes Schwartz’s version of the wide nine front so challenging to face.
“Not different with the front four and how they’re coached,” Shanahan explained. “It changes a little bit with how they play their linebackers and their secondary—that’s where it changes. But Jim’s as good of a coordinator as there is, and when you’re as good of a coordinator as there is, and you have the talent that they have, it’s a pretty lethal combination.”
With multiple defensive coordinator openings and Schwartz’s status still in flux, the 49ers appear willing to let the process unfold. Whether San Francisco ultimately opts for Bradley or pursues a proven veteran like Schwartz remains to be seen.