CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is upset he was passed over for the head job and doesn’t plan to stick around under new head coach Todd Monken, reports say.
NFL Network reports that Schwartz, 59, was informed this morning that Monken got the job and then told assistant coaches in the building that he plans to leave.
Schwartz, the Browns’ three-year coordinator and 2023 AP Assistant Coach of the Year, was one of three finalists for the job, including Monken and Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, 35.
Sources told cleveland.com that Monken, who will turn 60 next week, is open to keeping the accomplished coordinator, who’s under contract through 2026.
Many of Schwartz’s premier defensive players, such as Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit, advocated for him to get the promotion, something he really wanted.
The unit ranked No. 4 in the NFL in total yards allowed this season (283.6) and is the league’s only defense to average fewer than 300 opponent yards per game since Schwartz took over.
In that three-year span, the Browns are No. 1 in third-down conversion percentage allowed (33.8%), first downs allowed per game (16.5), and tackles for loss (342).
In other coordinator news, special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone has requests from the Steelers and Rams for their coordinator vacancies, with the Rams seemingly the most likely destination.
It means Monken could be looking for three new coordinators, unless he and Schwartz hash it out and he decides to stay. Schwartz will have interest from other teams, including possibly the 49ers.
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