The Cleveland Browns held their introductory press conference for incoming head coach Todd Monken on Tuesday, and it didn’t take long for more fuel to be tossed on the fire that is the ongoing drama between the Browns organization and Jim Schwartz.

Schwartz has been the team’s defensive coordinator since 2023, and the Browns have twice ranked in the Top 5 in total defense since he took over. He was also named the AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year in 223, when the Browns finished the season with the top-ranked total defense in the NFL.

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He was a leading candidate for the Cleveland opening after Kevin Stefanski was fired to close the season, but was eventually passed over for the job in favor of Monken. Afterwards, reports indicated that Schwartz was upset over what he perceived as a snub and was now planning to look for a new job next season.

Todd Monken ‘Didn’t Take This Job’ For Jim Schwartz

While there may have been some hope among fans that Schwartz would remain with the franchise despite the rocky ending to the head-coaching search, it was very clear on Tuesday that Monken and the Brows are willing to move forward without him. While Monken did make sure to give Schwartz his flowers for his work in Cleveland, he also made it clear that working with Schwartz was not the reason he accepted the job.

“I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz. I have a lot of respect for Jim Schwartz, as I would hope he has for me. But I took it because of the players that are here, the ownership, Andrew Berry, and the ability to build this roster from the ground up on the offensive side,” Monken said.

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“So, and I said this to the other guys, I didn’t think I’d say it, but I’m gonna say it — when I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz, I was chipping Myles Garrett.”

However, Monken also seemed dedicated to maintaining the current defensive system and scheme that have brought the Browns so much success on that side of the ball, whether or not Schwartz returns to the franchise. Monken has tried to scheme up an offensive attack against that defense multiple times in recent seasons and understands how dangerous it can be.

“It’s been a b**** — I apologize — to go against this defense six times over the last three years. Schematically, and more importantly, the players, because ultimately it’s a players’ game,” Monken said.

“My anticipation is we’re not going to change the system. It’s very difficult to go against. I’m not planning on changing the system. We’re built for the system that they’re in currently. I’m not going to get into staffing, because that’s not at this time to get into that. But they can rest assured that we’re going to keep the same system. We’re still going to let them attack. We’re still going to let them play free. I can’t see any other way. They’re a big reason why I took this job — the defensive players.”

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Todd Monken’s bold statement on Jim Schwartz adds to Browns drama