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Cleveland Browns linerbacker Carson Schwesinger.
The Cleveland Browns and Jim Schwartz have parted ways, creating some uncertainty for the defense and key players like linebacker Carson Schwesinger.
Schwesinger had an outstanding rookie season, notching 156 tackles — 11 for loss — 2.5 sacks, three passes defensed and two interceptions. It earned Schwesinger Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. But he’ll now be working under a new defensive coordinator.
Schwartz was passed over for the head coaching job. The Browns instead went with Todd Monken as their next head coach. Schwartz — who was angered by the decision — tendered his resignation on Thursday. The Browns announced Schwartz’s stance on Friday.
“Yesterday, Jim Schwartz submitted his letter of resignation as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns,” the team said in a statement. “We’d like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons. Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.”
Browns LB Carson Schwesinger Reacts Live to Schwartz Resignation
Schwesinger was live with Kay Adams on the Up & Adams show when the news broke of Schwartz’s resignation. The rookie linebacker gave a thoughtful answer on the departure of his defensive coordinator.
“This year, I loved playing for Schwartz,” Schwesinger said. “It was a great opportunity for me, and I loved the belief he showed in me. I think that was pretty special. I know, whatever he does, he’s someone who’s been instrumental, especially in this first year I had.
“I think one of the things he always harped on was just, you know, every time you take the field, whatever happens, leave it with respect, from the people you played against, the people who were watching. I think that’s something that he shows every day, which is how he works, and how he prepared us and got us ready, and just his attitude. That’s something that I’ll keep with me.”
Browns Coach Todd Monken Praises Players for Stellar Defense
Monken did not sound focused on keeping Schwartz on board during his introductory press conference. While he acknowledged Schwartz’s reputation as a great defensive coordinator, he gave more credit to the players on the defensive side of the ball.
“When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz. I was chipping Myles Garrett,” said Monken, who was previously the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. “When I was sliding the protection to the outside ‘backers or Grant Delpit blitzing off the edge, I was sliding the protection to the players. And when I was worried about throwing to the right against Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell to the left, that’s who I was worried about throwing at.”
Monken is searching for his next defensive coordinator but does not plan to change the system on defense. The Browns ranked No. 4 in the NFL in yards allowed per game (283.6) last season. The system also helped Garrett pile up a NFL single-season record 23 sacks. Garrett added a second Defensive Player of the Year trophy to his resume this week at the NFL Honors show in San Francisco.
J.R. DeGroote JR DeGroote is a staff writer for Heavy.com, where he has covered the NFL, NBA, and trending sports stories since 2019. His work focuses on some of the most passionate fanbases in sports, including reporting on the Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Lakers. More about J.R. DeGroote
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