Jim Schwartz won’t stick around after being passed over.
The Browns’ defensive coordinator was “visibly upset” and told other assistants he would be leaving after learning Cleveland was hiring Todd Monken as its head coach, according to NFL Network.
Schwartz had been labeled the favorite recently and reportedly expected to land the gig, but is now set to leave the franchise after three years — and the 49ers are a potential match, per NFL Network.
Jim Schwartz during a 2025 preseason game. Diamond Images/Getty Images
The polarizing veteran coach had been the looming figure over the Browns’ coaching search both as a potential staff holdover and serious candidate for the position.
The organization wanted to retain him should they go in a different direction, which can always create an issue with an incoming staff.
Reports emerged stating some candidates did not want Schwartz on their staff, which could have put the franchise at odds with potential options.
As those reports surfaced, Schwartz joined Monken, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Rams passing coordinator Nate Scheelhaase as the four candidates to conduct two interviews.
Schwartz possessed the only previous head coaching experience of the quartet from his time guiding the Lions from 2009-13, but the franchise opted for a rival’s offensive coordinator.
Todd Monken is the new Browns head coach. Getty Images
Monken had been willing to keep Schwartz, per Cleveland.com, but he will now have to find a new man to lead Myles Garrett and a talent defensive unit.
“We are very excited to name Todd Monken the next head coach of the Cleveland Browns,” The Haslam family said in a statement. “Todd is highly intelligent, and his experienced, innovative offensive mindset has been at the forefront of constructing productive and successful offenses at the NFL and collegiate level over the last 20 years. He is an outstanding leader and has a clear vision to lead our team as a strong communicator who values trust with his players but also accountability and preparation.”
There figures to be a good market for Schwartz since he’s often coached sound defensive units during his career, with Cleveland ranking fourth in points allowed per game this past season.
He has not been linked to the two remaining head coach openings with the Raiders and Cardinals.