"It was special": Browns star Carson Schwesinger's raw reaction to Jim Schwartz’s shocking departure

On the same day he was crowned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Carson Schwesinger had to process a massive shake-up: the resignation of his defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz.

Appearing live on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, the Browns’ breakout linebacker didn't hide his emotions regarding the departure when he was told of the breaking news. 

"This year I loved playing for Schwartz, it was a great opportunity for me," Schwesinger told Adams. For a rookie who went from an unheralded second-round pick to the league's top defensive newcomer, the connection with Schwartz was personal. "I loved the belief he showed in me, it was special," he noted, adding that Schwartz’s impact was instrumental to his rapid development.

More: Jim Schwartz resigns: Top 3 external candidates to lead Browns elite defense in 2026

Beyond the X’s and O’s, Schwesinger highlighted the mindset Schwartz instilled in the locker room. "One of the things he always harped on was every time you take the field, whatever happens leave it with respect from the people you played against," he explained.

However, Schwartz’s exit, fueled by being passed over for the head coaching job, leaves a massive power vacuum. While new head coach Todd Monken promised to keep the same "attacking" system in place, losing the man who compared Schwesinger’s rookie command to Hall of Famer Ray Lewis is a blow to the unit's continuity. 

Without Schwartz’s specific attitude and preparation, the Browns risk losing the elite edge that made them a top-five defense. For Schwesinger, the challenge is now maintaining his DROY trajectory without the mentor who believed in him from day one.

More Browns News:

• Who replaces Jim Schwartz? Ranking Browns 3 best in-house successors for Todd Monken
• Browns warning: Don’t fall for the $40M Malik Willis hype and salary cap trap
• Browns Quinshon Judkins injury update: 'Not good' says ESPN Cleveland host
• Browns mock draft round-up: 3 NFL insiders give Cleveland 'big-bodied' weapons with two 1st-round picks
• Browns new offense: Todd Monken’s 3 play-calling shifts to 'score any way possible'