The Cleveland Browns will have to find a new leader for the defensive players in 2026 and beyond. Jim Schwartz has resigned from the position after missing out on a head coaching opportunity.
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The AFC North team announced the news on Friday and said that Schwartz had submitted his letter of resignation. This confirmed the rumors that the veteran coach would not remain with the team after they chose former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as head coach.
"We'd like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three season," the team said in a Friday statement. "Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately."
Schwartz, who previously won a Super Bowl as defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, moved to the Cleveland Browns in 2023. The team boasted the league's top defense in yards allowed. He has remained in the position for three seasons while spearheading a fearsome unit.
This season featured the Browns finishing fourth in yards allowed and third in passing yards allowed. Defender Myles Garrett broke the single-season sacks record with 23 and won Defensive Player of the Year. Carson Schwesinger won Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Once the Browns fired head coach Kevin Stefanski, it opened up an opportunity to Schwartz. He could potentially become the next head coach of the team, which would mark his first time leading a team since 2009-2013 when he coached the Lions.
The Browns interviewed Schwartz multiple times, but ultimately chose to move forward with Monken instead. Sources then reported that the move angered the veteran defensive coordinator. They indicated to multiple NFL insiders that Schwartz said he would not remain in Cleveland despite being under contract.
This has now come to pass. He will resign from the position. However, he will not be able to take a job elsewhere considering that he has time remaining on his deal. He will simply remain away from Cleveland while the team moves forward with a new staff.
