The Cleveland Browns have received a rather concerning take on their search for a head coach.
The Cleveland Browns are on the hunt for a new head coach, and Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase appears to be one of the top candidates for the position.
But could the potential hiring of Scheelhaase cause some internal issues, particularly when it comes to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz?
Dianna Russini seems to think so and expressed her concerns on Monday.
"If the Browns opt to hire a young offensive mind like Nathan Scheelhaase, I’d be interested to see what happens to DC Jim Schwartz," Russini wrote on X. "Schwartz, who has interviewed twice for Cleveland’s vacancy, would be passed over despite taking ownership of and coordinating one of the league’s top defenses over the past three seasons."
Schwartz has five years of head-coaching experience, as he was at the helm for the Detroit Lions between 2009 and 2013.
While Schwartz led the Lions to their first playoff appearance in 12 years in 2011, he went 29-51 overall in Detroit.
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images.Of course, a whole lot has changed since then, and we have seen head coaches have more success in their second go-around before.
The fact that the Browns seems o hesitant to hire Schwartz is interesting, though. Perhaps they want him to focus solely on the defense instead of worrying about head-coaching responsibilities?
That being said, Russini's point is valid: if Cleveland passes on Schwartz again, it could create some acrimony between the two sides, and you do have to wonder if Schwartz would decide to depart the Browns.
You have to think that Scheelhaase — or any incoming head coach — would want to keep Schwartz installed as defensive coordinator given the amount of success the Browns have had defensively in recent years, but would Schwartz want to stay?
One thing is for sure: Cleveland needs to get this hire right.
The Browns went just 5-12 this season and have gone 8-26 the last two years after making the playoffs in 2023. They have also made just three playoff appearances since re-entering the NFL as a franchise in 1999.
Cleveland has a slew of issues it needs to fix this offseason, but finding the correct answer at head coach is the most important decision the Browns will make.