CLEVELAND, Ohio — Myles Garrett likes Jim Schwartz. Denzel Ward likes Jim Schwartz. Jimmy Haslam, Andrew Berry — everybody at Lou Groza Blvd. likes Jim Schwartz.

But I’m not sure the Browns like him like that.

In the weeks since firing former coach Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland has wasted no chance to praise its defensive coordinator in public. The same day Haslam fired Stefanski, he told reporters that Cleveland “absolutely” wanted Schwartz to remain with the organization (“Great coach,” Haslam added). Three hours later, Berry told the press that Schwartz, who this week completed a second interview for Stefanski’s old job, had “certainly earned consideration” for it.

Last week, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reminded us again: “The Browns would love to keep DC Jim Schwartz with their new head coach given all the defensive success they’ve had.”

Note the key words “with” and “new.” No mention of “you’re” or “hired.”

Over a dozen interviews into this coaching search — and two into Schwartz’s candidacy — the Browns’ favorite defensive coordinator could be stuck in the friend zone.

If he was their top candidate, they could’ve chosen him by now. They could’ve fast-tracked the interview process. The Falcons and Giants hired new coaches within two weeks of season’s end, and they hired external candidates.

The longer Cleveland waits, the more it seems they only like Schwartz as a coordinator. Nothing wrong with that —unless Schwartz wants more from the relationship.

The longtime assistant has said for years — including this past season — that he wants to be a head coach again after being fired by Detroit in 2013. And the Browns, who boast few experienced candidates and an intimate knowledge of Schwartz’s strengths, might offer his best chance.

If they don’t choose him, no hard feelings. Schwartz loves calling his defense. But are we sure he loves calling this one enough to work for a new coach Cleveland chooses over him?

Stability is nice, especially for a man who has worked in five different NFL cities since 2010. And the Browns boast plenty of talent on Schwartz’s side of the ball, not to mention the power to block him from other interviews (he’s under contract through 2026). But if, at 59, Schwartz still wants to run his own team, then he can’t stick around for another rebuild. Losing teams rarely produce the hot candidates.

And without a Browns promotion, Schwartz’s pool of suitors could expand.

Eleven NFL teams have defensive coordinator openings. Five of them finished with better records than Cleveland. And more jobs could still come open as other teams fill head coaching vacancies.

Few teams run Schwartz’s specific, attack-style scheme. But given his success in Cleveland and his longstanding resume, he could probably find other offers.

But why would the Browns let Schwartz go? Their defense has blossomed since they hired him in 2023. And if they hire a young, offensive head coach — of which they’ve already interviewed several — said coach might lack a deep Rolodex of defensive assistants. He might also benefit from working with an experienced defensive coordinator. And if said assistant can draw from Schwartz’s head coaching experience, even better.

See? Perfect setup — for the Browns and their new head coach, that is.

From Schwartz’s perspective, however, Cleveland could have some ‘splainin’ to do.

Let’s get this straight:

The Browns hire Schwartz to fix a defense that ranked 22nd in success rate during the 2022 season, and he does it immediately. The Browns rank first in the same metric during his three-year tenure, providing the lone piece of stability during an otherwise tumultuous time period. They extol Schwartz’s coaching virtues after firing his old boss, interview him twice to fill the role, then hire (presumably) a first-time coach instead?

What gives? Why should he remain loyal to the Browns and his replacement? And perhaps most importantly: How would this dynamic affect a coach and coordinator’s working relationship?

Just asking the questions. The Browns’ plan, whatever that is, can still work.

Maybe they hire Schwartz as head coach. Maybe they had always planned to hire him (though no NFL team introduces a new coach as its second choice). Maybe Schwartz is a good soldier who deems it silly to leave Garrett in the middle of his prime, regardless of his position on staff. Maybe Haslam gives Schwartz a raise for his troubles.

In that case, everybody’s happy. Schwartz likes coaching in Cleveland, and Cleveland likes having Schwartz on staff.

This franchise and coach belong together, as long as Schwartz doesn’t meet someone else.

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