Jim Schwartz ‘embarrassed’ himself in Cleveland exit: Ruiter says Browns were right to pass originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Jim Schwartz era in Cleveland ended ugly. After several days of tension following the Browns‘ decision to hire Todd Monken as head coach, Schwartz finally blinked and handed in his resignation.
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However, according to Browns beat reporter Daryl Ruiter, the way he handled his exit was nothing short of a disaster.
Appearing on 92.3 The Fan, Ruiter pulled no punches regarding the defensive coordinator’s final days. “…he kind of embarrassed himself on his way out of here.” His actions seemed fueled by an ego that had grown too large for the building. Ruiter argued that Schwartz’s behavior since being passed over for the top job only “validated the Browns’ decision” to go with Monken.
“This one (isn’t) on the Browns. This one’s on Jim. I think Jim overplayed his hand just a little bit,” Ruiter concluded on Cleveland losing their highly touted defensive coordinator.
More: The loophole keeping Jim Schwartz ‘at war’ with Browns: Why Florio says this standoff isn’t over”
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While Schwartz is officially out, he isn’t exactly free. As I pointed out on The Sporting News from Mike Florio’s report, Schwartz remains under contract through 2026. Because assistants can’t be traded like players, he’s effectively in a legal stalemate.
However, Florio suggests a “back door” remains open: an informal trade. A team like the Las Vegas Raiders (rumored to be interested) could theoretically overpay in a separate player deal, leading the Browns to “graciously” release Schwartz from his obligations.
For now, the “game of chicken” continues. Schwartz might be done in Cleveland, but the Browns aren’t about to let a top-tier asset walk away to another franchise for nothing.
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