Current Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was in the running to be the next head coach for the Cleveland Browns. He was one of the three finalists for the job, but he was passed over for Todd Monken. Once it was announced that Schwartz wasn’t going to be the head man in charge, Schwartz seemed upset about missing out on another head coaching opportunity (this was the second time he was passed up on another head coaching spot; he was a finalist for the Browns job in 2020).
People will blame the Browns for doing this to Schwartz, but in reality, the person who is not free of blame is Schwartz. The team is trying to keep Schwartz, but the relationship is damaged.
The Philadelphia Eagles were considering Schwartz if Vic Fangio were to retire, which is still possible:
As mentioned, the relationship needs to be repaired, but Schwartz is under contract for another year. If the Browns want to bring Schwartz back, it should be met with two options: come back and be a positive force this time, or early retirement.
Both parties aren’t free of blame for why this situation is the way it is, but Schwartz doesn’t deserve any sympathy. Schwartz acting the way he did when he was passed up on a job was considered unprofessional. Schwartz is likely not going to get another head coaching job, and it’s hard to see him finding another defensive coordinator job this year based on recent events.
Is Schwartz a good defensive coordinator? Yes, but there is a large portion of Browns fans who overrate Schwartz. The Browns have been an elite defense under Schwartz, but in terms of scheme, it’s basic and the talent the team possesses defensively masks the flaws of the scheme. Not much complexity or exoticness, the scheme hasn’t evolved, and that falls on coaching. Most defensive coordinators would love to coach this unit if the job were to be available. Schwartz has no leverage in this situation.
It’s clear the team wants Schwartz backs and both sides need to come together to mend this relationship, but the Browns should draw a line in the sand to get their coaching staff in order as soon as possible.