Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was a finalist to become their head coach, but the job ultimately went to Todd Monken on Jan. 28. Schwartz made it clear afterward that he wanted to leave Cleveland, and he’ll do just that a little over a week later. Schwartz has resigned, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network was among those to report.
In announcing Schwartz’s departure, the Browns stated:Â “Yesterday, Jim Schwartz submitted his letter of resignation as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. We’d like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons. Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.”
The Browns tried to retain Schwartz as their defensive leader for a fourth season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Although they were unable to do it, they continue to hold his rights, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes. The 59-year-old is not expected to coach anywhere in 2026, per Garafolo. He stepped down with two years left on his contract.
Schwartz was the Lions’ head coach from 2009-13, but he hasn’t gotten another shot since he guided the team to a 29-51 record and one playoff berth in five seasons. While his time in Detroit didn’t go well, Schwartz was a top-tier defensive coordinator with the Titans from 2001-08. He has thrived in that role with the Bills (2014), Eagles (2016-20) and Browns (2023-25) since the Lions let him go. Schwartz won Super Bowl LII in Philadelphia.
After returning to Tennesee as a senior defensive assistant from 2021-22, now-former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski brought him in to replace Joe Woods as their D-coordinator. The Browns earned their most recent playoff berth in Schwartz’s first season, and his defense was a major contributor. The unit topped the league in total defense and ranked 13th in points allowed. Schwartz subsequently picked up AP Assistant Coach of the Year honors.
The Browns’ win total plummeted from 11 to three in 2024, during which their defense submitted below-average marks in yards (19th) and points (27th). Although the Browns struggled again during a 12-loss campaign this past season, Schwartz’s group did its best to make up for a bottom-of-the-barrel offense.
Cleveland’s defense rebounded to finish fourth in yards and 14th in scoring in 2025. End Myles Garrett set the all-time single-season sack record (23) en route to unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger also took home hardware on Thursday, the day Schwartz tendered his resignation. Schwesinger was voted the unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year after piling up 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions in 16 games.
Despite the success Garrett, Schwesinger and the rest of the Browns’ defense enjoyed under Schwartz, it wasn’t enough to earn a promotion. The Browns are higher on the offensive-minded Monken after his terrific three-year run as the Ravens’ play-caller. Monken, who emerged as the “strong No. 1 choice” in the Browns’ HC search, now faces the unenviable task of replacing Schwartz.
During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Monken expressed a desire to continue with the same defensive system in the event of Schwartz’s exit. With that in mind, Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso and defensive pass game coordinator Cory Undlin are names to watch for the Browns, Rapoport relays.
Vasso and Undlin serve under Texans DC Matt Burke, a Schwartz disciple who worked with him in Detroit and Philadelphia. Schwartz also had Vasso and Undlin on his staff with the Eagles, and now either could end up replacing him in Cleveland in the coming days. Undlin is familiar with the organization, having worked as a Browns assistant from 2005-08.
Interesting strategy. A coordinator can resign from their post, literally become a free agent, then apply for other coordinator jobs if they are restricted by their franchises?
arty!:
I would think they still retain his rights and anyone who wanted to hire as defensive coordinator would need their permission.
I believe that only applies if he is still under contract and getting paid by the Browns. This should be treated as him being fired; automatic free agent.
He may resign but the Browns still have his contract rights. He’d have to be traded or released if he wants to go somewhere else.
Just like Jeff Stoutland in Philadelphia. He resigned as OL coach but cannot take another job until next year
Glad that has been cleared up. Now time to move forward.
Go Browns!!!
or backward.
The grapes be sour.
The Bengals defense could really use a guy like Schwartz and he would probably work for a discount just to get two cracks at Cleveland each season 🙂
Does GM Burrow approve of this? Frankly speaking, Joe has had way too much say/influence in roster construction; & then is mad it’s poorly built?
The Browns would be crazy to trade his rights to Cinci since they’re in the same division.
This tells you everything you need to know about out his character
lol what?
Niners should have waited and hired him
Browns still have his contract rights. He quit not fired, quitting is on him not the team.
But they could trade for the right to hire him. Could be a little complicated, but I assume the Browns could float the idea by him or his agent
Yeah but teams don’t trade for coordinators, there are too many other options. Trading for someone to be a coordinator is like saying they are the greatest coordinator of all time.
Schwartz will be back in Philly next season replacing Vic Fangio who will retire. Mike Tomlin, who will replace Sirianni (who will be fired!) will hire him as his new DC
Good riddance! Now promote Jason Tarver and move on to winning some football ..
If the D takes a step back before Monken turns Sanders or whoever into a star then this will look like a horrible decision. You just had two defensive guys win awards yesterday but screw em the Browns need to focus on offense even though beyond Fanin and Judkins they need a complete overhaul.
ALL IN CAPS TO BE CLEAR
THE BUCCANEERS NEED TO BE ALL OVER THIS!!!