The Cleveland Browns have conducted an extensive head coaching search, but as the team nears a final decision, the candidate from inside the building appears to be picking up steam.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is “gaining momentum” in Cleveland’s head coach search, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
“One league source tells me tonight that DC Jim Schwartz seems to be gaining momentum in the Browns head coach search,” Cabot said. “Stay tuned.”
Schwartz just completed his third season as Cleveland’s defensive coordinator and has been the driving force behind one of the NFL’s most consistent defenses. Since his arrival, the Browns have ranked first in the league in multiple defensive categories, including total yards allowed per game, opponent first downs allowed, third- and fourth-down conversion rate, passing yards allowed per game, first downs allowed per pass attempt, and tackles for loss.
Even during a disappointing 5-12 season, Cleveland’s defense remained a strength. The Browns finished the year allowing the fourth-fewest total yards per game (283.6) and the third-fewest passing yards per game (167.2). They also recorded 53 sacks — a franchise record — and tied for second in the NFL with eight defensive touchdowns.
Cleveland has made it clear throughout the process that it wants Schwartz to remain in the organization, whether that means promoting him to head coach or keeping him in place as the leader of its elite defense.
Browns Candidate Nate Scheelhaase Draws Interest From Bills
Schwartz was one of the first candidates to interview for the Browns’ head coaching job, and his second interview came more than a week ago. But in recent days, Cleveland has also kept its focus on younger candidates, including Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
Udinski removed himself from consideration after his second interview, leaving Scheelhaase as the most recent candidate to make significant traction. Scheelhaase completed an extensive second interview with the Browns in Los Angeles on Monday, but he is now also drawing interest from the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo announced Monday night that it had concluded its first interview with Scheelhaase.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Cleveland is still weighing its decision after meeting with Scheelhaase.
“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.”
Browns Players Support Jim Schwartz
Schwartz might not be the most inspiring candidate for the fan base. But one demographic he does have on his side is the players. Multiple key members of the Browns team showed support for Schwartz as a head coach candidate at the end of the season.
“I have so much love and respect for coach Schwartz,” Browns cornerback Denzel Ward said. “I would highly recommend coach Schwartz for a head coaching job here, definitely. … He’s helped my game tremendously, puts us in great position, great leader. I can’t say enough great things about him, but I think he’s a guy who you want in a coach and somebody to lead a team.”
Browns superstar Myles Garrett also showed support for Schwartz getting a head coaching position.
“I love Jim, and I love playing for him,” Garrett said.
Schwartz is the only finalist with NFL head coaching experience. He previously served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009-13.
Browns DC Jim Schwartz Trending Toward HC Job After Scheelhaase News