Ravens Request HC Interview With Jim Schwartz

Baltimore has submitted an interview request with Jim Schwartz, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Cleveland’s highly-regarded defensive coordinator remains under contract with the team at this point. Schwartz interviewed with the Browns for their own HC position last week, but this marks the first request from an outside suitor.

From 1993-95, Schwartz worked with Cleveland in the personnel department. He was among the personnel who moved to Baltimore when the inaugural edition of the Browns became the Ravens beginning in 1996. Schwartz – a Baltimore native – worked as a defensive assistant with the team for three years. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec notes he still has several relationships with people inside the Ravens organization.

Over time, Schwartz has become one of the league’s top defensive minds. A defensive coordinator with the Titans (2001-8), Bills (2014), (2016-20) and Browns (2023-present), he has an extensive track record at the NFL level. The 59-year-old also has head coaching experience dating back to his five-year run leading the Lions. That Detroit tenure ended after the 2013 season with an overall record of just 29-51.

Expectations would be much higher the second time around if Schwartz were to take charge of the Ravens, a team seen as one of the top landing spots for HC candidates. Baltimore has been connected to a number of former head coaches while seeking out John Harbaugh‘s replacement. That includes interest in staffers with an offensive and defensive background, even in a year relatively lacking in options who have previously called plays on offense.

Via PFR’s Head Coaching Search Tracker, here is an updated look at the Ravens’ search:

• Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interview requested
• Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): To interview
• Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
• Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/12
• Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/9
• Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): To interview
• Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview requested
• Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/11
• Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview requested
• Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
• Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Interview requested
• Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
• Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/9
• Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): To interview 1/12
• Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8