CLEVELAND, Ohio — Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had his heart set on being promoted to head coach, and was crushed when he was passed over in favor of Todd Monken, former offensive coordinator of the Ravens.
He was so emotionally invested in getting the job that he packed up his office and told staffers he wasn’t coming back.
It’s what you might expect from someone who poured his heart and soul into coaching this defense for the past three years, and came painfully close to getting the job.
Schwartz, 59, was one of three finalists for the role, including Monken, 59, and Rams pass coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, 35. The competition was so close that on Tuesday, the day before Monken was hired, the Browns talked to all three of the finalists one more time — Schwartz in person because he was in the building — and Monken and Scheelhaase via video conference, just to clarify a few points and revisit some things.
In the end, Monken was a strong No. 1 choice from the entire search committee because of his impeccable offensive credentials, as well as his tremendous leadership ability and track record of developing young players.
The Browns, who stated from the jump that they wanted to Schwartz to stay on as coordinator if he didn’t get promoted, understood Schwartz’ visceral reaction in leaving the building and vowing to some that he was gone for good. The same passion, intensity and commitment to excellence that have made Schwartz one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL were on display during the search, and he almost landed a return to the head chair for the first time since going 29-51 from 2009-13 with the Lions, where he took over a team that went 0-16 and had them in the playoffs in three season with a 10-6 mark.
Besides, at 59, head coach opportunities are few and far between, and it may have been his last swing at the plate.
But once the dust settles and the anger dissipates, Schwartz should strongly consider coming back and helping get the Browns back to the playoffs with one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL. He didn’t get passed over because he wasn’t qualified to lead this team to the next level. He lost out to Monken because the Browns need to revive their underperforming offense, and that’s their No. 1 commitment right now.
Had the Browns hired Schwartz as head coach, they would’ve lost Monken to the Giants, where he would’ve been reunited with John Harbaugh as coordinator. The Browns already knew that Monken planned to bring some of the Ravens’ best offensive assistants with him, including soon-to-be named offensive coordinator Travis Switzer, offensive line coach George Warhop, and pass game coordinator Danny Breyer. More are expected to be on the way.
Schwartz wouldn’t have been able to keep Monken or Scheelhaase, and it might’ve difficult for him to assemble the caliber of offensive staff that’s underway at Browns headquarters.
But Schwartz is under contract for two more seasons, including a club option for 2027, and he’s very well paid. His actual salary is unknown, but coordinators of his ilk often make in the $5 million a year range. It’s not head coach money, but it’s certainly enough to set his family up very nicely over the next couple of years. Besides, if he and Monken work as well together as they have individually throughout their careers and win some games in 2026, Schwartz just might get more head coaching opportunities in 2027. As it stands, the Ravens also interviewed him for their vacancy this year.
For his part, Monken has always been open to keeping Schwartz on as defensive coordinator. He has enough to deal with on his side of the ball without dismantling the strength of the team. What’s more, Monken is almost the mirror image of Schwartz on offense. They’re both tough, old-school, extremely successful coordinators who have seen it all in their long careers. They both have a high emotional IQs and players love playing for them. They can command the room and the staff, and handle adversity, which is an enormous part of the job — perhaps as high as 80% for the head coach.
Over the past three seasons alone in their roles as coordinator for the Ravens and Browns, both have been at the top of their game on their respective sides of the ball. From 2023-25, the Ravens ranked first in rushing yards with 8,512 yards – 166.9 yards per game – second in scrimmage yards with 19,860 and third in points per game with 27.9. Baltimore was also third with 70 rushing touchdowns and fifth with 91 receiving touchdowns. Lamar Jackson earned his second AP NFL MVP honors in Monken’s first season as coordinator, and threw for 41 touchdowns against only four interceptions en route to a league-high 119.6 rating in 2024.
Schwartz’ defense, meanwhile, has ranked first in a number of key categories in that span, including total yards per game, first downs allowed per game, third down percentage, fourth down percentage, total passing yards per game, first downs per pass attempt and most tackles for a loss. The Browns also rank third in team sacks and are tied for second with eight defensive touchdowns. Myles Garrett is about to win his second AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors on Schwartz’ watch, and set the NFL single season sack record this year with 23.0. He coached rookie Carson Schwesinger to what might soon be AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
If cooler heads prevail and Schwartz is amenable to a conversation with Monken, the two just might find out that they can make a dynamite combo.
Besides, the only other option for Schwartz at this point is to retire, and he might not want to do that at the height of his game. Granted, he might have interest from San Francisco and other teams for coordinator jobs, but it’s highly unlikely the Browns would let him out of his contract. They’ve made it clear they want him here, and the hope is that he’ll ultimately decide to stay.
At this point last year, it seemed like Garrett had reached the point of no return and would be gone. He told every outlet on radio row at the Super Bowl that he wanted out, and reconciliation seemed impossible. But the Browns dug in their heels — and also gave him $40 million a year — and he went out produced arguably the best season of his career. He also stepped up his leadership efforts and had the defense playing lights out until the end.
Perhaps the Browns can sweeten the pot with Schwartz to help smooth things over. Whatever the case, the chance to coach Garrett, Denzel Ward, Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham for at least the next two seasons and also have a bolstered offense to pair with his championship defense might be better than the alternative.
Sometimes you can go home, even when it seems like you can’t.
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