Browns' defense gets bad news with Jim Schwartz DC update

The Cleveland Browns finally found their new head coach after firing Kevin Stefanski and seeing multiple top candidates turn down their open job.

Todd Monken is the new head coach, but immediately after his hiring, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz left the team, implying he wouldn't coach for the Browns again.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated revealed a further update on the Schwartz situation. With discord between the Browns and Schwartz, things are not looking good for the Browns' defense in 2026.

Will Browns keep DC Jim Schwartz? Update doesn't bode well for such a future

"The Browns would, indeed, like to retain defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz," Breer writes. "Whether that's mutual is another story."

Schwartz has indicated he wants to leave the Browns, saying that if he didn't land the head coaching gig, he'd be leaving the team.

Now that Monken is the head coach, Schwartz is trying to leave. But, he's under contract for a year, and the Browns want him back.

Could the Browns force him to stay? Breer reports that, "I don't see Cleveland keeping him there against his will."

More: 5 free agents the Cleveland Browns must move on from in 2026

With the NFL offseason rapidly developing and the defensive coordinator options drying up, the Browns might want to make a final decision with Schwartz sooner rather than later.

There are some solid defensive coordinator options, like former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, who could be a nice hire for Cleveland.

But losing Schwartz, who's helped lead a strong defense over the years, will sting. That future looks more likely than ever, as the Browns and Schwartz don't look to be heading toward a resolution this offseason.

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