Browns defense could take major hit following dominant year

The Browns have had one of the best defenses, if not the best, in the NFL this season. A major reason why has been the addition of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. But his time in Cleveland could be short-lived.

"I'm really happy here ... I love this organization. I love the city of Cleveland," Schwartz told reporters. "But I'd say this. Any job that you do, you always aspire to the top of that profession. I'm no different there."

It's clear Schwartz has aspirations of being a head coach in the league once again. He was last a head coach in the NFL for the Detroit Lions from 2009-13. But his 29-51 record during the span was far from good enough.

Credit must be given where credit is due, and Schwartz has certainly raised the expectations surrounding the Browns in just one season.

Cleveland's defense went from allowing 331.2 total yards per game in 2022 to allowing a league-best 266.6 total yards per game in 2023. 

Schwartz has also raised DE Myles Garrett's level of play, which many thought wasn't possible. He has set the 28-year-old up to potentially win his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 

Garrett is the current favorite to win the award, per FanDuel, with 42 tackles, 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three passes defensed on the year.

However, three head coaches have already been fired this season (Raiders' Josh McDaniels, Panthers' Frank Reich and Chargers' Brandon Staley) and more are likely to come following Week 18.

If a team searching for its next head coach believes Schwartz could bring a similar turnaround to its city, it would be surprising if he would turn down the opportunity given his latest comments. 

That is certainly not a scenario Browns fans are hoping plays out.