Browns' release statement on Jim Schwartz's resignation signaling end of an era

The Cleveland Browns have undergone some major changes this offseason. Kevin Stefanski was fired, and Todd Monken was brought in as the new head coach.

One of the more surprising twists, though, was Jim Schwartz being very upset that he was passed over for the Browns' head coaching job. He made it clear he didn't want to return, although the Browns would try to convince him.

But Schwartz, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, is resigning from the Browns this offseason. And with the Browns releasing a statement on Schwartz's decision, it's officially the end of an era in Cleveland.

Browns release statement on Jim Schwartz, ending era in Cleveland

"Yesterday, Jim Schwartz submitted his letter of resignation as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns," the Browns posted. "We'd like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons. Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.

The Browns, despite the messy end to their relationship with Schwartz, are thanking him for the effort and contributions to the team that were made during his time in Cleveland.

Schwartz, the former Super Bowl champion defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, joined the Browns in 2023 and has helped Cleveland's defense be one of the best in the league.

In his first season as the Browns' defensive coordinator, Schwartz's unit was the best defense in yards allowed in the NFL, while ranking 13th in points allowed all year.

More: ‘I didn't take this job because of Jim Schwartz': Todd Monken's bold Browns intro

In 2024, they took a big step back, ranking 19th in yards allowed and 27th in points allowed. But, he got them back on track in 2025 with another strong year, finishing 4th in yards allowed and 14th in points allowed.

Schwartz has been great for the Browns since coming to Cleveland, and while his tenure didn't last very long, he helped multiple Browns defenders have big seasons.

Devin White is set to land a huge contract this offseason, while Carson Schwesinger won Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Myles Garrett broke the sack record with 23 sacks this season en route to his second Defensive Player of the Year award.

While Schwartz isn't the sole reason for those accolades, he did help set all of these great defenders up for success as a play caller defensively.

Now, the Browns need to find a new coordinator, and Monken and the rest of the front office will bring in a new era of Browns football.

More Browns news:

• Browns urged to rebuild entire offensive position group with six free agents
• Browns' Todd Monken makes Shedeur Sanders announcement for 2026 season
• Browns' Todd Monken announces who will call plays on offense for 2026
• Acho’s Browns vendetta: Absurd logic behind his Todd Monken hate and Schwartz ‘snub’ rant
• Shedeur Sanders stats, highlights at 2026 Pro Bowl flag football game
• Browns predicted to ditch Shedeur Sanders in favor of trade for $230 million quarterback