Jim Schwartz has had enough of Cleveland.
Following the Browns’ hire of former Ravens defensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach last month, Schwartz, formerly their defensive coordinator, filed his letter of resignation.
Schwartz was “visibly upset” after the Browns passed him up in favor of Monken for their head coach gig, per NFL Network.
He was originally expected to land the job, but it was reported that some within the organization advocated against him.
“We’d like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons,” the Browns said in a statement Friday. “Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.”
After learning Monken was chosen over him, Schwartz told Cleveland he did not plan to remain with the team. Monken, however, had wanted to keep Schwartz, per Cleveland.com.
Now, because he still has a year left on his contract, he’ll be forced to sit out the 2026 season.
Schwartz spent three seasons in Cleveland, molding the Browns’ defense into one of the best in the league each year.
In two of his three seasons, defensive end Myles Garrett captured Defensive Player of the Year honors, including this year when he broke the NFL sack record (23) in 2025.
The unit also led the league in total and passing defense in 2023.
Prior to his stint with Cleveland, Schwartz served as the Detroit Lions’ head coach from 2009-13.
In those seasons, the Lions went just 29-51, though Schwartz led them to the playoffs in 2011.
Of the Browns’ four finalists for their vacant head coach position — Monken, Schwartz, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Rams passing coordinator Nate Scheelhaase — Schwartz was the only one with previous head coaching experience.
Instead, the Browns prioritized Monken over retaining Schwartz.
Monken has 37 years of coaching experience, most recently serving as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator from 2023-25.
Monken led Baltimore to the AFC Championship game in 2023 and helped quarterback Lamar Jackson win MVP in the same year.
While Schwartz will look on from the couch in 2026, he should be highly sought after in 2027, whether that be as a defensive coordinator or head coach.
Though for now, all he can do is wait.
