Jim Schwartz Exits Cleveland After Being Passed Over for Head Coaching Position
Jim Schwartz has resigned as Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Friday, marking a dramatic exit following his second rejection for the team’s head coaching job.
The 59-year-old submitted his resignation letter Friday morning after the Browns hired Todd Monken—former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator—over him last week. Schwartz is now expected to sit out the entire 2026 season despite remaining under contract with Cleveland, which retains the legal right to block him from joining another team.
A Legendary Three-Year Run
Schwartz’s departure represents a significant loss for a Browns organization that had constructed one of the NFL’s elite defenses under his direction. Since arriving in 2023, Schwartz transformed Cleveland’s defensive unit into a league-leading powerhouse, allowing the fewest total yards in football across his three-year tenure.
The defensive scheme produced remarkable individual performances, most notably from defensive end Myles Garrett, who won NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors twice in three seasons—including Thursday night after setting the league’s single-season sack record with 23 sacks this season. Garrett publicly championed Schwartz for the promotion, stating: “I love Jim, and I love playing for him.”
Under Schwartz’s system, the Browns’ defense ranked first in yards allowed over his three seasons and delivered a franchise-record 53 sacks in 2025, ranking third against the pass and fourth overall in yards allowed per game.
Second Time Passed Over
This marks the second time Schwartz has been denied the head coaching opportunity with Cleveland. He also came up short in 2020 when the Browns hired Kevin Stefanski, the coach fired on January 5 this year.
The Browns organization publicly stated they wanted Schwartz to remain as coordinator under new head coach Monken. However, sources indicate Schwartz told team headquarters he was “done” with the organization after learning of their decision to pursue external candidates for the promotion.
Contract Standoff and Expectations
The resignation emerged from behind-the-scenes negotiations between Schwartz and the Browns. Because Schwartz was under contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027, he could not simply accept positions elsewhere—most notably reported interest from the Las Vegas Raiders to become their defensive coordinator.
Industry analysts expect the Browns to pay most or all of Schwartz’s remaining salary for 2026 in exchange for his agreement not to work in a coaching capacity during the upcoming season. The specific terms of any separation agreement remain undisclosed.
What’s Next for Cleveland
New head coach Monken committed to maintaining Schwartz’s attacking, man-heavy 4-3 defensive scheme, emphasizing that his hiring was driven by the caliber of Cleveland’s defensive personnel, particularly Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward and Pro Bowler Grant Delpit.
The Browns will begin an immediate search for a new defensive coordinator. Potential internal candidates include linebackers coach Jason Tarver, line coach Jacques Cesaire, safeties coach Ephraim Banda, and cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch.
Schwartz’s Broader Coaching Legacy
Schwartz previously served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2013, compiling a 29-51 record while inheriting a 0-16 franchise and leading it to the playoffs by his third season. He has since held coordinator and assistant roles with the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans, and most recently the Browns, winning a Super Bowl with Philadelphia earlier in his career.
