The Cleveland Browns may soon face major upheaval on the defensive side of the ball following their decision to hire Todd Monken as head coach. According to NFL Network, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is upset about being passed over for the job and is not planning to remain with the organization, despite being under contract through the 2026 season.
Schwartz had been viewed as a serious candidate after Kevin Stefanski was dismissed, making it to the final round of interviews alongside two other contenders. The 58-year-old believed the opening offered him a chance to return to a head coaching role for the first time since his tenure with the Detroit Lions ended in 2013. Instead, the Browns opted for Monken, who spent the past three seasons as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.
Monken’s Arrival Creates Tension as Browns Risk Losing Defensive Stability and Leadership
While Monken is reportedly open to keeping Schwartz as his defensive coordinator, the situation presents a difficult dynamic. Remaining in the same role after missing out on the top job can feel like a statement about organizational belief, a point emphasized by CBS Sports insider Jonathan Jones. Though Cleveland would prefer to retain Schwartz, the team is unlikely to prevent him from exploring other opportunities if he chooses to leave.
Jim Schwartz (NFL)Losing Schwartz would be a significant blow for the Browns, especially given the performance of the defense in recent seasons. Despite finishing 5–12 in 2025, Cleveland ranked fourth in the NFL in total defense, allowing just 283.6 yards per game. The unit also produced 53 sacks, the third-highest total in the league, and limited opponents to 167.2 passing yards per game, second-best in the AFC.
Garrett’s Dominance and Schwartz’s Defensive Legacy Now Central to Browns’ Uncertain Future
At the heart of that success was Myles Garrett, who recorded a league-record 23 sacks and led one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushes. Schwartz’s schemes consistently maximized talent and kept the Browns competitive in games where the offense struggled to generate points or sustain drives.
Schwartz’s reputation extends well beyond Cleveland. He previously coordinated a Super Bowl–winning defense with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, stepped away briefly for health reasons, then returned in advisory roles before reestablishing himself as one of the league’s premier defensive minds. His first season in Cleveland in 2023 saw the Browns lead the NFL in several defensive categories.
According to ESPN, Schwartz’s departure could trigger a ripple effect, potentially leading to changes among assistant coaches and defensive players. As Cleveland moves forward under Monken, the organization faces a pivotal challenge: convincing its most successful unit to remain intact or preparing for a defensive reset that could reshape the franchise’s identity.
