.The Cleveland Browns’ defense has been stellar this season and the defensive coordinator has a whole lot to do with the success they’ve had.
Jim Schwartz has transformed the Cleveland defense in his first season with the team. Unfortunately for Cleveland, Schwartz could be on his way out after just one season.
The former Detroit Lions head coach confirmed earlier in the week that he would like to be a head coach again. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski responded to the possibility of losing him after just one season, on Friday.
“I mean, that’s part of the NFL,” Stefanski said. “You have success and then you may lose coaches, but in a lot of ways, that’s a great thing for that coach and for an organization. I really like a lot of our coaches – I like all of our coaches, so they’re doing a great job. But when it comes to those opportunities, if that’s something that comes about, I’ll be excited for any of our coaches, including Jim.”
Schwartz room over for Joe Woods this season and Cleveland is first in the league in yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and third down percentage on defense. Additionally, the Browns are top-10 in rushing yards allowed and points allowed.
A lot of the success has to do with the system that Schwartz implemented, but none of it is rocket science that can’t be taught by another coordinator. Schwartz's presence, demand for respect, and leadership would the the biggest losses for the Browns.
Cleveland’s defense was always going to take a huge step forward this season. They made big investments on defense that paid off, especially along the defensive line. Having a professional defensive line is something the Browns lacked last season outside of Myles Garrett. It has worked seamlessly with the talent in the secondary.
Coach (Schwartz) has done a great job, really, from day one with him to now. He’s done everything that I’ve asked of him,” Stefanski explained. “He’s been a great confidant for me, somebody I can walk in and talk to and bounce a lot of things off of him. Just with history, he’s been a head coach, he’s been a coordinator, he’s won a Super Bowl. So, he’s just been invaluable to me. And then obviously, you look at our defense and the way we’ve played, that’s a big part of Jim and this coaching staff. I think those guys have done a great job, but Jim’s right there leading the way. It’s been so impressive, but I’m excited that I just get to work with him every day.”
Whether Cleveland loses Schwartz or not to another team is yet to be seen. It’ll play out over the next month or two. If Cleveland does, Stefanski will be happy to see him get another chance.
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