The Cleveland Browns face a critical decision with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and choosing not to hire him as their next head coach could come with a major consequence.
Schwartz remains one of the finalists for Cleveland’s head coaching vacancy. He’s a familiar face inside the organization and the driving force behind one of the NFL’s most feared defenses. But if the Browns pass on promoting him, there’s a real risk they won’t be able to keep him at all.
Schwartz is expected to draw interest from contenders looking to retool their defensive staff, and he could elect to pursue a new opportunity depending on how Cleveland’s coaching search unfolds.
Former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman believes Schwartz could quickly become a top target for the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to be searching for a new defensive coordinator after Robert Saleh accepted the head coaching job with the Tennessee Titans.
“If Jim Schwartz doesn’t get the job with the Cleveland Browns, I’m sure Kyle Shanahan is going to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at him to try to get him to San Francisco,” Sherman said on his podcast. “That would be a home run, an absolute grand slam hit if he could get a guy like that in the building.”
Jim Schwartz Has Player Support With Browns
One thing Schwartz has on his side that the other candidates don’t is familiarity. Some of the top defenders in Cleveland are big fans of Schwartz and backed him to be a head coach.
“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 and sack king Myles Garrett has also shown support for Schwartz getting a head coaching position.
“I love Jim, and I love playing for him,” Garrett said.
Garrett has thrived in Schwartz’s system, elevating his game to a new level. The former No. 1 overall pick notched an NFL record 23 sacks last season.
Browns Likely to Lean Offensive With Head Coach Hire
Of the current finalists, Schwartz is the only defensive candidate. Grant Udinski, Nate Scheelhaase and Todd Monken all come from the offensive side of the ball — and there’s a strong chance any of them would look to retain Schwartz if hired.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported that Scheelhaase has emerged as a top contender for the job, even though Cleveland must wait to complete the process until after the NFC Championship Game. If Scheelhaase ultimately lands the gig, Schwartz could be in line to remain on staff.
“Sources say they plan to meet with Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase early in the week, as he is among their top candidates. Scheelhaase would likely keep defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz,” Rapoport said.
Browns Given Warning Over Looming Jim Schwartz Decision