The Las Vegas Raiders still can’t start filling out their coaching staff until Klint Kubiak finishes up his work with the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. With Patrick Graham off to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team is going to need a new defensive coordinator.
Once the Cleveland Browns decided to pass on Jim Schwartz for their head coaching job, he became high on the list for any team looking for a defensive coordinator. He has been a top defensive coach for a long time and would be a logical fit for a team that needs a strong defensive voice.
Kubiak is going to put most of his focus on the defense, so he needs somebody who can own the defense. Schwartz also has previous head coaching experience, so he could be a good resource for the rookie head coach.
However, the Browns were hoping to retain him as defensive coordinator on Todd Monken’s staff. He had different ideas. The Browns announced that Schwartz has informed the team that he’s resigning from his position.
“Yesterday, Jim Schwartz submitted his letter of resignation as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns,” the Browns wrote in a statement. “We’d like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons. Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.”
Schwartz Likely Has to Sit Out 2026 Season
Unfortunately for the Raiders, this does not mean that Schwartz is now available. He’s still under contract with the Browns, and it doesn’t appear they plan to let him off the hook.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Schwartz is likely going to have to sit out for the 2026 season. That means he won’t be an option at defensive coordinator for the Raiders.
This late in the game, there aren’t many top defensive coordinator options available. Kubiak may have to take a chance on an up-and-coming candidate. This is an ugly situation for the Browns.
Schwartz has been there for years, and he clearly thought that he earned the chance at being the franchise’s next head coach, but they wanted to go with an offensive mind. It’s easy to see why he’d be upset about that.
Who Could Raiders Target at DC?
Even if Schwartz was free to sign wherever, there’s no guarantee he’d want to come to Las Vegas. Kubiak likely already has a list of candidates in mind.
The most obvious would be Seahawks defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Karl Scott. Kubiak and Scott also worked together when they were both with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021.
Scott has been a rising defensive coach for a few years, but hasn’t had a chance to be a defensive coordinator. Though he does great work with defensive backs, it remains to be seen if he can call a defense.
Kubiak should know Scott’s abilities very well. If he’s hoping for a candidate with more experience, Steve Wilks might be the best option available. That said, he’s been fired from his last two NFL defensive coordinator jobs after one season, so he’s not the most exciting candidate.
Raiders Get Bad News on Possible Coaching Staff Target