With all 10 HC openings filled, we can review each team’s processes to see what went well and what didn’t. The Cleveland Browns’ hire of Todd Monken was a great outcome. The issue was the process, specifically with DC Jim Schwartz.
New HC Todd Monken Speaks on the Jim Schwartz Situation with the Browns
When candidates were interviewing with the Browns, the feeling around the organization was that whoever was hired, Schwartz would. This was the case with Nate Scheelhaase from the Los Angeles Rams and Grant Udinski from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
This made some sense with hiring a young HC, but the Browns ended up with Monken, who is 59. Schwartz was also in the running for HC, but after Monken’s hiring, it seems the Browns’ DC was not happy with the decision.
Fast forward to today, Monken is beginning to fill his coaching staff, and there is a massive question mark at DC. In a recent press conference, Monken addressed Schwartz’s future with the team.
#Browns Todd Monken says he’s had a chance to talk to Jim Schwartz…. “and it’s been a bitch to go against this defense.”
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) February 3, 2026
Given Schwartz’s potential to stay with the team, it’s great news that Monken reached out to him. As Monken mentioned, Schwartz’s defense was very difficult to go against, so there is a level of respect there. Still, Monken expressed what he would like to do if the Browns are unable to retain Schwartz:
Monken again said he wouldn’t get into staffing but said that the defensive system and scheme would stay in place.
“They’re a big reason why I took this job, the defensive players. I didn’t take this job cause of Jim Schwartz. I have a lot of respect for Jim Schwartz, as I would… https://t.co/BTcd60T97v
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) February 3, 2026
With this quote, Monken rightfully wanted to cover all bases and make it look like the team is well-equipped to pivot if Schwartz is not coming back. This also makes it seem that this future is more likely than not.
Replacing Schwartz will not be easy. Yes, the Browns defense has talent, but since being hired in 2023, Schwartz has led the Browns’ defense to 1st place in his first season, 7th in 2024, and 6th this past season, according to PFSN’s Defensive Impact Metric.
If he is willing to come back, the Browns keeping Schwartz would be an excellent decision, especially with the potential of partnering him with Monken.
