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Jim Schwartz was predicted to make surprising decision on coaching.
The Cleveland Browns opted not to hire Jim Schwartz as their head coach, and he now could be looking to leave the team.
Cleveland opted to hire Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their head coach, instead of promoting Schwartz. After not getting the head coaching job, Schwartz reportedly told people in the building he was leaving and packed up his office.
However, Cleveland is still trying to keep him as defensive coordinator, but he’s expected not to coach in 2026, rather than be the Browns’ defensive coordinator again.
“My guess is Jim Schwartz would rather not work than be the defensive coordinator of the Browns under Todd Monken,” Goldhammer said on ESPN Cleveland. “Maybe they have a meeting scheduled for today, and they wanted to give him the weekend to cool off. I’m surprised we have not reached a resolution.
“The Browns can’t hire any defensive coaches until they figure out what’s going on with Jim Schwartz. So, now, the Raiders job is filled, the Cardinals job is filled. All these teams are trying to put their staff together. The longer you wait, the longer you are in a holding pattern, the less likely you are going to get the coach you want.”
It is an interesting thought from Goldhammer, as he doesn’t expect Schwartz to be back. Yet, if he doesn’t come back, Monken will now have to try and fill out a defensive staff after most teams have already filled out their staff.
Schwartz Was Furious After Not Landing Browns HC Job
The Browns opted to go with Monken as their head coach, and Schwartz wasn’t happy.
Schwartz was in the running for the job, but Cleveland decided not to hire him. After being informed he wasn’t getting the job, Schwartz was furious. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that he said goodbye to some staffers in the building.
“After the Browns informed DC Jim Schwartz this morning they were passing him over to hire Todd Monken as head coach, Schwartz was visibly upset, said goodbyes in the building and told other coaches he’s not coming back, sources tell The Insiders. Schwartz is under contract and Cleveland wants to retain him. But his future is now unclear,” Pelissero wrote.
With Schwartz still under contract, whether or not he will be able to land another job is uncertain. The Browns could trade his rights, or if he got a promotion, he would be eligible to take that.
But, for right now, it appears Schwartz’s time with the Browns is very much up in the air.
Denzel Ward Hoping Schwartz Stays
Schwartz is a very well-respected coach inside and outside of the Browns building.
So, with his future with the team up in the air, Browns star defensive player Denzel Ward is hopeful that Schwartz stays.
“I’m hoping coach Schwartz stays,” Ward told Cleveland.com. “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. …
“I’m not sure what was true or was not true, so I’m not going to speculate,” Ward said. “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. I’m hoping he stays on the team.”
Ward has two more years left on his five-year, $100.5 million deal.
Cole Shelton Cole Shelton covers the NHL, MLB and Cleveland Browns for Heavy.com. He has covered pro and college sports since 2016, including bylines at BJ Penn, USA Today, SB Nation, Rotowire, Canadian Baseball Network and more. More about Cole Shelton
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