Jim Schwartz has decided to leave Cleveland.
After the Browns appointed Todd Monken, formerly the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, as the new head coach last month, Schwartz handed in his resignation.
He was reportedly “visibly upset” over the decision, feeling passed over for the role he’d been in the running for. Some factions within the team had raised concerns about his candidacy, which led to his resignation, as noted by NFL Network.
“We would like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the past three seasons,” the Browns expressed in a statement on Friday. “The search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.”
Upon discovering that Monken had been chosen instead of him, Schwartz communicated that he wouldn’t stay with the organization. Interestingly, Monken expressed a desire to retain Schwartz as part of his coaching staff.
With one year remaining on his contract, Schwartz will have to sit out the 2026 season.
During his three years with the Browns, Schwartz significantly improved the defense, consistently ranking it among the best in the league.
Notably, defensive end Myles Garrett earned Defensive Player of the Year honors twice in three years, including this year when he set the NFL sack record at 23.
The defense had led the league in both total and pass defense in 2023.
Before his time in Cleveland, Schwartz was the head coach for the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2013. His record there was 29-51, but he did guide the team to the playoffs in 2011.
Among the four finalists for the Browns’ head coaching position—Monken, Schwartz, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Wudinsky, and Rams passing coordinator Nate Schielhaas—only Schwartz had prior head coaching experience.
Ultimately, the Browns opted for Monken, who has an extensive coaching background, most recently as the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens from 2023 to 2025.
Under Monken’s leadership, the Ravens advanced to the AFC Championship Game in 2023, while quarterback Lamar Jackson won MVP that season.
While Schwartz will be on the sidelines in 2026, it’s likely he will attract attention for both defensive coordinator and head coach positions in 2027.
For now, though, all he can do is wait.
