The Browns filled the most important vacancy in the building. They may have created another one in the process. Cleveland’s decision to hire Todd Monken ends a long head-coaching search, but it also reframes the conversation around what comes next, not just offensively, but on the other side of the ball.
Jim Schwartz’s Status Looms Over Todd Monken’s Start in Cleveland
The concern was put plainly by Cleveland.com’s Ashley Bastock, who warned the ripple effect of Schwartz leaving “could be incomprehensible.” Almost immediately after the hire became official, concern surfaced about defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, his future with the team, and how players closely tied to him might respond if that relationship fractures.
Schwartz’s defenses have been Cleveland’s backbone. According to PFSN’s Defense Impact metric, the Browns finished the 2025 season ranked sixth in the NFL defensively. Over the past three seasons, the Browns ranked among the NFL’s best in total yards allowed and were the only team to hold opponents under 300 yards per game on average during that span.
I don’t know that people understand how bad it could get for #Browns if Schwartz leaves, and on bad terms. Players on that defense, including Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, love playing for Jim. The impact of the ripple effect could be incomprehensible.
— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) January 28, 2026
Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Grant Delpit were vocal throughout the coaching search in their support of Schwartz. Owner Jimmy Haslam echoed that sentiment publicly after the team moved on from Kevin Stefanski.
Instead, Cleveland pivoted to Monken, the former Ravens offensive coordinator who brings a strong offensive résumé but no NFL head-coaching experience. Monken inherits a roster that has leaned heavily on its defense for identity and stability.
Schwartz told assistant coaches he planned to leave after learning Monken had gotten the job. The Browns have said Monken is open to retaining him, but Monken has full authority over his staff. That unresolved tension is now part of his first real test. Schwartz is still under contract.
There is still a lot to sort out in Cleveland, starting with its star player. Garrett has remained patient through coaching changes. Asking a franchise cornerstone to embrace another reset, especially if it costs the team its defensive architect, could test that patience.
No one in the organization is publicly discussing a trade request. Garrett signed an NFL-record-breaking contract just last season and has a no-trade clause. Still, the warning signs are hard to ignore. Losing Schwartz would not just be a staff change. It would remove a stabilizing force from a defense that has been Cleveland’s most dependable asset.
