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Jim Schwartz is gaining momentum as the Browns near a decision on their next head coach.
The Buffalo Bills could be aiming for a reunion with a top defensive coordinator candidate, but first would face a challenge in landing him.
Jim Schwartz, who served as Buffalo’s defense coordinator in the 2014 season and found great success, is reportedly unhappy with the Cleveland Browns amid their own coaching changes. While Schwartz is seen as a top potential candidate for the Bills, it could be tricky given Cleveland’s contract rights.
Jim Schwartz ‘Upset’ With Browns
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that Schwartz was a finalist for the Browns’ head coaching job, but was passed over. Pelissero added that Schwartz is done with the team, but the Browns still have him under contract.
“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,” Pelissero shared in a post on X. “Schwartz is under contract and Cleveland wants to retain him. But his future is now unclear.”
The Bills already lost defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, who took a job as the defensive passing game coordinator with the Green Bay Packers. They are expected to have more turnover as Brady begins to build his staff.
While there are other candidates for defensive coordinator, none are as accomplished as Schwartz, who spent time as an NFL head coach with the Detroit Lions prior to his stint with the Bills. Reporter Ryan Talbot of Syracuse.com noted that the Bills are a likely landing spot if the Browns decide to let Schwartz out of his contract, but it’s not certain that they would.
“Jim Schwartz, a former Bills defensive coordinator, was in play to be the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns,” Talbot reported. “Instead, the Browns opted to go with Todd Monken. Schwartz reportedly wants out of Cleveland following the news, but he is still under contract with the Browns. If Cleveland lets him go, don’t be surprised if the Bills pounce.”
Despite Cleveland’s struggles last season, Schwartz crafted an aggressive defense led by former Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who set the all-time NFL sack record this season.
The Bills have struggled to establish a consistent pass rush, despite having made some big investments in the position in recent years. Under Schwartz in the 2014 season, the Bills had one of the league’s best pass-rushing groups.
Another Familiar Face Seen as Defensive Coordinator Candidate
The Bills could also look to a former player to lead their defense on Brady’s staff. Jim Leonhard, the defensive passing game coordinator with the Denver Broncos, is seen as a hot defensive coordinator candidate, and the Los Angeles Chargers have already requested an interview after his team’s season came to an end in the AFC Championship game.
Leonard spent time as a defensive back on the Bills during the playoff drought era, then worked his way up the coaching ranks with several posts including a job at Wisconsin.
Nathan Dougherty is a sports reporter covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins. Previously he wrote for the Rochester Business Journal and served as the assistant editor of athletic trade magazines Coaching Management, Athletic Management and Training & Conditioning. He is based out of Rochester, New York, and loves everything football. More about Nathan Dougherty
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