jim schwartz

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator: What It Means for the Team and the NFL

The Cleveland Browns coaching staff is undergoing a significant shakeup following the team's recent head coaching decision. Jim Schwartz, the team's defensive coordinator, has officially resigned from his position shortly after being passed over for the head coaching vacancy that went to Todd Monken. This move marks the end of a three-year tenure for Schwartz in Cleveland and signals a major shift in the team's defensive strategy as they head into the 2026 season.

The news, first reported by major sports outlets including ESPN and USA Today, confirms earlier speculation regarding Schwartz's future with the organization. As a veteran coach with a storied history in the NFL, including a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles, Schwartz's departure is a headline event that will have ripple effects across the league.

A Sudden Departure: The Official Announcement

The breaking news centers on a formal resignation submitted by Schwartz to the Browns organization. According to a statement released by the team, Schwartz submitted his letter of resignation on Friday, February 6, 2026. This decision came swiftly after the Browns finalized their coaching changes, promoting offensive coordinator Todd Monken to the head coaching position.

"We'd like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons," the Browns said in an official statement. "Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately."

This resignation brings a swift conclusion to a period of uncertainty. Just days prior, reports indicated that the future of Schwartz was a topic of discussion between the new head coach and the front office. During a press conference, when asked about Schwartz's status, Monken remained mum, stating, "We're still working through everything," according to ESPN. However, it appears that the decision was ultimately made by Schwartz himself.

The Timeline of Events

To understand the context of this departure, it is essential to look at the chronological sequence of events: 1. Head Coaching Search: Following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL season, the Cleveland Browns began a search for a new head coach. 2. Internal Candidate: Jim Schwartz, who had served as the defensive coordinator since 2023, was a finalist for the position. 3. The Decision: The organization chose to promote offensive coordinator Todd Monken to the head coaching role. 4. The Resignation: Within a week of Monken's hiring, Schwartz submitted his resignation, effectively ending his tenure with the Browns.

Schwartz’s Legacy in Cleveland

Jim Schwartz joined the Cleveland Browns in 2023, bringing a wealth of experience as a defensive play-caller and a former head coach of the Detroit Lions. His arrival was initially met with optimism, as he was tasked with revitalizing a defense that had shown flashes of potential but lacked consistency.

During his three seasons with the team, Schwartz's defensive units were characterized by aggressive pass-rushing schemes and a focus on creating turnovers. While the statistical rankings fluctuated during his tenure, his influence on the development of younger defensive players was evident.

Schwartz is perhaps best known in the broader NFL context for his role as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl LII victory in 2018. His "Wide-9" defensive front is a famous scheme that prioritizes getting after the quarterback. His time in Cleveland was viewed by many analysts as a platform to refine that system further in a division known for physical, hard-nosed football.

Why Was Schwartz Passed Over for the Head Coaching Job?

The decision to promote Todd Monken over Jim Schwartz reflects a specific strategic direction for the Browns. While Schwartz is a respected defensive mind, Monken had been serving as the offensive coordinator, and his unit had shown significant growth and innovation.

According to reports from Yahoo Sports and ESPN, the decision to stick with Monken was part of a continuity plan for the franchise. The organization likely wanted to maintain stability on the offensive side of the ball while seeking a new voice for the defense. It is a common trend in the NFL for teams to promote from within to maintain locker room culture, particularly when the outgoing head coach leaves behind a functional system.

Schwartz, a former head coach himself, likely viewed the defensive coordinator role as a stepping stone back to a top leadership position. Being passed over for the head job in favor of an offensive coordinator likely created a rift that made his return untenable.

Contextual Background: A Pattern of Coaching Changes

Jim Schwartz's resignation is not an isolated incident in the high-stakes world of the NFL. Coaching staffs are in constant flux, particularly after seasons that do not result in playoff success. However, Schwartz's situation is unique due to the timing and the internal politics involved.

Schwartz's Coaching History

Before arriving in Cleveland, Schwartz had a long history in the NFL. After a stint as the head coach of the Detroit Lions (2009–2013), where he led the team to a playoff appearance, he served as a defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans and the Buffalo Bills before his championship run with the Eagles.

This history makes him a valuable asset to any team looking for a defensive play-caller. However, it also makes him a "hired gun" of sorts—someone who is often brought in to fix a specific unit but may not always fit into the long-term organizational structure if the leadership changes.

The Browns' Coaching Carousel

The Cleveland Browns have had a turbulent history regarding head coaches. The decision to hire Monken and allow Schwartz to leave suggests a desire to break from the past and build something new. By promoting an internal candidate (Monken), the Browns are betting on continuity over the fresh perspective that a veteran like Schwartz might have offered as a head coach.

Immediate Effects: The Impact on the Browns' Defense

The immediate impact of Schwartz's resignation is a vacancy at the defensive coordinator position. This creates a critical decision point for the new head coach, Todd Monken, and General Manager Andrew Berry.

The Search for a Replacement

As stated by the team, the search for a new defensive coordinator has begun immediately. The Browns now face a choice: 1. Hire from outside: Bring in a fresh face with a new scheme. 2. Promote internally: Elevate a current defensive assistant (such as a linebackers or secondary coach) to the role.

Given Schwartz's aggressive style, any replacement will likely need to adapt to the existing personnel on the Browns' roster. However, a new coordinator could also bring a different philosophy, perhaps shifting toward a more coverage-based defense rather than the pass-rush heavy approach Schwartz favored.

Impact on Players

The players are the ones most affected by coaching changes. Key defensive players, such as Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, have built their careers within Schwartz's schemes. A change in leadership requires an adjustment period. The new coordinator must quickly establish trust and rapport with the defensive leaders to ensure the unit remains cohesive heading into the 2026 offseason program.

The AFC North Landscape

The AFC North is arguably the toughest division in football. Competing against the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers requires a top-tier defense. The departure of Schwartz adds a layer of uncertainty for the Browns as they prepare to face high-powered offenses within the division. If the defensive transition is not smooth, the Browns risk falling behind in a highly competitive playoff race.

Broader Implications: The NFL Coaching Cycle

Schwartz's resignation highlights the precarious nature of NFL coaching jobs. Even successful coordinators are not immune to the politics of franchise management.

The "Passed Over" Phenomenon

It is not uncommon for a coordinator to leave a team after being passed over for a head coaching promotion. This dynamic can create tension in the locker room and on the coaching staff. When a coordinator aspires to be a head coach and sees the opportunity go to a colleague, it often necessitates a change of scenery to reset their career trajectory.

For Schwartz, leaving Cleveland allows him to preserve his reputation as a top-tier defensive mind. By resigning rather than potentially having his role diminished or facing friction under a new boss, he maintains control over his professional narrative.

Future Opportunities for Schwartz

Despite stepping away from the Browns, Jim Schwartz remains a highly employable coach in the NFL. At 50 years old, he is still in the prime of his coaching career. There are several potential paths for him: * Joining another team as DC: Many teams with defensive struggles would welcome his experience. * Taking a year off: Schwartz could choose to sit out the 2026 season, analyze the evolving game, and return to the NFL in 2027 with a refreshed approach. * Consulting or Broadcasting: His deep knowledge of the game could translate well to media analysis.

Future Outlook: What Comes Next for the Cleveland Browns?

As the dust settles, the focus shifts entirely to the Cleveland Browns' preparation for the upcoming season.