Browns star Denzel Ward sends message to DC Jim Schwartz amid rumors

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz seemingly wants a fresh start elsewhere after he failed to win the team's head-coaching job over former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Schwartz "packed up his office and left Browns headquarters on Wednesday after being passed over for the head-coaching job." Nevertheless, Browns cornerback and 2025 Pro Bowl selection Denzel Ward told Cabot he's hoping Schwartz will experience a change of heart regarding his future.

Will Denzel Ward try to convince Jim Schwartz to stay with Browns?

"I’m not sure what was true or was not true, so I’m not going to speculate," Ward said about how Schwartz reportedly responded to the hiring of Monken. "I’m just going to wait to see how everything plays out and look forward to, hopefully, we’re still keeping him. I’ve got a lot of respect for coach Schwartz, and he’s an amazing coach, and I’m hoping he stays on the team." 

That said, Ward acknowledged that he hasn't reached out to Schwartz since the news of Monken's hiring went public. It sounds like Ward wants to give his current coordinator some space. 

"I don’t think that’s my place right now," Ward explained. "I would really just wait and see how everything plays out."

The Browns have Schwartz under contract, but may be willing to let him leave if he makes it clear he doesn't want to be part of Monken's staff. NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated mentioned late Monday night that he "wouldn’t be surprised to see Klint Kubiak make a run at landing" Schwartz if the current Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator becomes the next head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, as expected. 

Meanwhile, ESPN stats show that the Schwartz-led Cleveland defense finished this past regular season ranked fourth in the NFL with an average of 283.6 total yards allowed per game. 

Denzel Ward sends message to Browns, Todd Monken about Jim Schwartz

"I’m hoping coach Schwartz stays," Ward told Cabot. "That’s what I’m hoping. That’s who I want to stay. I want coach Schwartz to be my defensive coordinator, and if we can make that happen, I’ll be happy."

It's unknown if Browns owner Jimmy Haslam could make Schwartz happy enough via a pay raise to keep the 59-year-old with the organization through the offseason.