The Cleveland Browns have seen multiple coaches withdraw their interest, and the owner could be a key reason why.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has been involved in the search for the new head coach, and it appears he’s making any candidate keep Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator. Insider Jared Mueller of DawgsByNature reported that the decision has been a sticking point for multiple candidates.
“DC. While that, keeping Schwartz, may not be an overall issue, the forcing nature of it is a concern for many candidates,” Mueller wrote. “Grant Udinski, for example, had a different DC in mind. Scheelhaase has another option, maybe not as strong as Udinski. It is also possible, but less likely, that Jimmy would like to keep Bubba Ventrone, a coach that he pushed to join the team a few years ago.”
Mueller believes Haslam’s desire to keep Schwartz as defensive coordinator isn’t smart and will lead to the Browns not hiring one of the top coaches.
“If Cleveland ends up with their 4th, 5th or 6th best head coaching candidate because Haslam/Schwartz (who only has one year left on his contract) then I will be adding that decision (barring some miracle) to the Hue Jackson over Sean McDermott, Freddie Kitchens over Kevin Stefanski, Johnny Manziel over Teddy Bridgewater and many more… Level 1 position decisions should not be made based on Level 2 positions, in my opinion,” Mueller added.
Just recently, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski was the latest candidate to withdraw from the Browns coaching search.
Haslam Praised Schwartz After Season
Although the Browns opted to fire coach Kevin Stefanski, Haslam made it clear he wanted the team to retain Schwartz.
Haslam felt like the Browns’ defense was solid and had nothing but good things to say about Schwartz after the season.
“We haven’t looked at that yet,” Haslam said about Schwartz on if he would be a head coach candidate. “I would say this, we think a lot of Jim Schwartz.”
When asked if he would want Schwartz back even if he isn’t the head coach, Haslam was quick to respond.
“Absolutely. Great coach,” Haslam added.
Schwartz has been the Browns’ defensive coordinator since 2023. He previously served as the Detroit Lions‘ head coach from 2009 until 2013, going 29-51.
Browns Leaning Towards Hiring Schwartz
After several candidates have pulled out of the Browns’ head coaching search, Cleveland may hire a familiar face.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Monday evening that Cleveland is leaning towards hiring Schwartz.
“One league source tells me tonight that DC Jim Schwartz seems to be gaining momentum in the Browns head coach search,” Cabot said on X. “Stay tuned.”
The Browns’ hiring Schwartz would be an intriguing decision and one that would be a surprise, given how long the search had been. If Schwartz were the top candidate, Cleveland could have hired him much sooner.
However, Cleveland did just recently interview Nate Scheelhaase, and ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said a decision could still take some time.
“Browns’ decision appears unlikely tonight,” Fowler said. “The feeling among some involved has been that Cleveland would reconvene after the Nate Scheelhaase interview, figure things out.”
It does appear the Browns’ decision is down to Schwartz or Scheelhaase.
Browns Owner Reportedly a Key Reason For HC Candidates Withdrawing