Jim Schwartz will not return to the Cleveland Browns.
As expected, Jim Schwartz is leaving the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns tried to keep their talented DC, but Schwartz is resigning because he wasn't offered the HC job.
After the Browns fired Kevin Stefanski, Schwartz interviewed for the HC spot and thought he would get it. However, Cleveland hired Todd Monken instead and that didn't sit well with Schwartz.
Monken was asked about Schwartz's status during his introductory news conference. Here's what the former Baltimore Ravens OC said:
"I think Jim is an outstanding defensive coordinator. I think we all would agree with that, but I think it's a little inappropriate for me to comment about that at this time."
In his three seasons with the Browns, Schwartz twice helmed a top-four defense in yards allowed. His unit often was the only bright spot in a bleak 2025 campaign.
Under Schwartz, Myles Garrett broke the single-season sack record and won Defensive Player of the Year, while linebacker Carson Schwesinger was named Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Schwartz has been in the NFL since 1993. He has worked for the Browns, Ravens, Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles.
It will be fascinatingto see where Schwartz lands next. He will likely be a hot target.
As for the Browns, they now need to hire a new DC. Garrett will be back next season, so Cleveland's DC job should have plenty of candidates. Garrett had 23.0 sacks, 43 solo tackles, 33 tackles for loss and 39 QB hits this season.
A future Hall of Famer, Garrett requested a trade from the Browns last February. One month later, Cleveland signed the defensive end to a four-year extension averaging $40 million per year and including $123 million in guaranteed money.
Garrett is under contract with the Browns for the next five seasons. Along with the no-trade clause, Garrett's new deal included $100 million in the first three years, $1 million in yearly workout bonuses and $88.8 million in execution guarantees.
Since entering the NFL in 2017, Garrett has racked up 125.5 sacks.
Browns Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Browns. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.