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Jim Schwartz takes final call on Browns job; Todd Monken eyeing 3 replacements for new DC
Jim Schwartz news update: The Cleveland Browns are set to lose their defensive coordinator, one of the best in the league right now
Jim Schwartz news update: The Cleveland Browns are set to lose their defensive coordinator, one of the best in the league right now, after a day-long discussion about his future. NFL Network reported on Friday that Schwartz has decided to move on and will not be on the Browns' bench next year.
As per insiders, the Browns and head coach Todd Monken tried to bring Schwartz back in the fold, but negotiations did not work out.
“#Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is walking away, per The Insiders. The team tried to bring him back in the fold, but it wasn’t to be. One of the top coordinators is now out, as Cleveland will need to fill that important role for Todd Monken’s staff,” insider Ian Rapoport posted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
When Todd Monken spoke about Jim Schwartz
Monken, in his introductory presser, had said: “I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz. I have a lot of respect for Jim Schwartz as I would hope he has for me. But I took it because of the players that are here, the ownership, (GM) Andrew Berry, and the ability to build this from the ground up on the offensive side. And I said this to the other guys, I didn’t think I’d say it, but I’m going to say it: when I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz. I was chipping Myles Garrett and 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.”
3 Jim Schwartz replacements for Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns to target
Ephraim Banda
Already viewed around the league as an emerging defensive mind, Banda has generated outside attention this offseason, most notably securing a DC interview with the Dallas Cowboys. His work with Grant Delpit, transforming him into one of the NFL’s most adaptable and impactful safeties, has boosted his profile considerably.
Jason Tarver
Tarver represents the safest and most familiar option. With previous defensive coordinator experience during his stint with the Raiders from 2012–14, he brings a level of steadiness and institutional knowledge unmatched by other internal candidates. His influence on the development of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and breakout rookie Carson Schwesinger has been a clear asset.
Brandon Lynch
Perhaps the strongest culture fit of the group, Lynch has been a player favorite and organizational staple since 2020. Teammates and staff regard him as a top-tier teacher and an exceptional person, frequently citing his technical expertise and hands-on work with Denzel Ward as standout contributions.
Despite his respect within the building, Lynch has never served as an NFL defensive coordinator, making him a less predictable and potentially riskier selection.
