Browns lose key member of their coaching staff

The Cleveland Browns have already undergone some significant changes this offseason, and the latest has sparked concern among fans.

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz informed the team on Friday that he has resigned, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Schwartz has been the defensive coordinator in Cleveland for the past three seasons.

Schwartz was viewed as a head coach candidate for the Browns after they fired Kevin Stefanski, but he did not get the job. Cleveland instead hired former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. That is believed to have created tension between Schwartz and the Browns, which likely played a role in Schwartz's decision to move on.

Browns played outstanding defense in 2025

The Browns have played solid defense under Schwartz, particularly during the 2025 season. They ranked fourth in the NFL with 283.6 total yards allowed per game. Cleveland was third in the NFL against the pass with 167.2 points allowed per game.

Myles Garrett has received much of the credit for the Browns' defensive success, and rightfully so. The star pass-rusher recently won his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in the wake of a campaign that saw him set an NFL record with 23 sacks. Garrett is the most feared defender in the NFL, which has made Schwartz's job a lot easier.

Of course, Schwartz is the one who helped implement the scheme that has maximized Garrett's abilities. Cleveland's next defensive coordinator will be tasked with doing the same, and Monken has already hinted that he will stick with the same scheme even with Schwartz out of the picture.

Jim Schwartz wants another opportunity

Schwartz has been a defensive assistant for the majority of his coaching career, but he has previous head-coaching experience. The 59-year-old was the head coach of the Detroit Lions for five seasons from 2009-2013. He compiled a record of 29-51 and led the team to the playoffs once, where they lost in the opening round.

There should be plenty of teams willing to offer Schwartz another defensive coordinator job, but he will have to wait at least another year for a head coach opportunity. It is quite possible that he felt he was the best candidate for the job in Cleveland.