Jim Schwartz Becomes Available After Leaving Browns Following Todd Monken Hiring

Former Browns DC Jim Schwartz Becomes Available After Todd Monken Hiring

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has reportedly become available after the franchise hired Todd Monken as its next head coach Wednesday, creating potential interest from other NFL teams seeking defensive coordinators.

The Browns hired Todd Monken on Wednesday as the franchise's 19th full-time head coach, wrapping up a three-week search.

After the Browns informed DC, Jim Schwartz, this morning they were passing him over to hire Todd Monken as head coach, Schwartz was visibly upset, said goodbyes in the building and told other coaches he's not coming back.

Collectively, he has 32 years of experience in the NFL, including five seasons as a head coach with the Detroit Lions and a combined 17 years of experience as a defensive coordinator with the Titans, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles and, of course, the Browns. Schwartz served as Buffalo's defensive coordinator during the 2014 season under head coach Doug Marrone.

Bills Connection and Potential Interest

On January 24, 2014, Schwartz was hired by the Buffalo Bills as the defensive coordinator.

As defensive coordinator with the Bills in 2014, Buffalo led the NFL in sacks (54) and third-down conversion rate (33.2), while finishing second in scoring (16.9 points per game).

The Bills ended the season fourth in the NFL in points and yards allowed per game with 18.1 and 312.2, respectively, while ranking third in takeaways with 30.

The Buffalo Bills recently promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach following Sean McDermott's dismissal. The Buffalo Bills have promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach on a five-year deal, the team announced Tuesday. The team will need a new defensive coordinator as former DC Bobby Babich has joined the Green Bay Packers' staff.

Contract Situation and Performance

Though Schwartz remains under contract through 2026, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that there is "no guarantee" that he returns as Cleveland's DC. Fowler also reported that Monken appears open to retaining Schwartz.

Schwartz's recent performance with the Browns has been notable. In his two seasons as defensive coordinator with Cleveland, the Browns rank first in the NFL in first downs allowed (556), first in third down percentage (32.6), second in passing yards allowed per game (188.6) and third in total yards allowed per game (306.1).

Within Schwartz' system, defensive end Myles Garrett would be named 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, and Schwartz was named the 2023 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year. Garrett would also set the NFL sack record with 23 in Schwartz's system during the 2025 season.

Market Interest

Among the teams actively interviewing candidates for a defensive coordinator (or in the market thanks to the coaching cycle) are the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins. Additionally, several coaching positions remain open across the league as teams finalize their staffs for the upcoming season.