The Cleveland Browns finally ended weeks of speculation by naming their next head coach, but the decision quickly sparked tension inside the building. What looked like a move toward stability has instead raised uncomfortable questions about whether one of the team’s most important assistants will remain in place.
Why Did Tensions Rise Inside the Cleveland Browns After a Coach Reacted to Todd Monken’s Hire?
The Browns officially announced Todd Monken as thier new head coach on Wednesday, a move first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The #Browns are hiring former #Ravens OC Todd Monken as their new head coach, per The Insiders.
After an exhaustive search, Cleveland lands on Monken, who previously worked with MVP Lamar Jackson. pic.twitter.com/qS6jk2TZlZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 28, 2026
The Browns opted for experience, hiring the 59-year-old former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator after a search that included several younger candidates. Monken’s resume, built across college football and the NFL, ultimately won out as the Browns sought reliability and a clear direction.
Monken arrives after three seasons running Baltimore’s offense, where the Ravens finished fourth, third, and 11th in scoring. His track record gives the Browns confidence that he can modernize an offense that has struggled for consistency, especially with a roster that already boasts an elite defense.
That defense, however, is now at the center of the story.
Shortly after the hire, multiple NFL insiders reported that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was deeply unhappy with how the process concluded.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Schwartz “was upset at being passed over for HC and told coaches he doesn’t plan on staying in Cleveland,” adding that while Schwartz is under contract, the situation needs to be worked through.
#Browns DC Jim Schwartz was upset at being passed over for HC and told coaches he doesn’t plan on staying in Cleveland, sources tell The Insiders.
Schwartz is under contract and the team wants him but it’s a situation that at the very least needs to be worked through. pic.twitter.com/wdHYELSYkK
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 28, 2026
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network echoed that sentiment, reporting that after being informed of the decision, Schwartz “was visibly upset, said goodbyes in the building and told other coaches he’s not coming back.” Pelissero also noted that the Browns want to retain him, but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future.
After the Browns informed DC Jim Schwartz this morning they were passing him over to hire Todd Monken as head coach, Schwartz was visibly upset, said goodbyes in the building and told other coaches he’s not coming back, sources tell The Insiders.
Schwartz is under contract and… pic.twitter.com/GBEct9BRPB
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2026
Jordan Schultz went even further, reporting that the sense inside the Browns building is there is “no chance” Schwartz returns, regardless of his contract status.
Sources: The sense within the #Browns building is there’s “no chance” Jim Schwartz comes back.
Regardless of his contract, they believe he is not staying there after how things transpired this morning. https://t.co/CB5JZaRFEz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 28, 2026
Those reports are especially significant given Schwartz’s impact. Since 2023, the Browns’ defense has allowed the fewest yards per game and has been the league’s toughest unit on third down. The Browns are not starting over defensively, which makes the potential loss of Schwartz a major concern.
According to Schefter, Schwartz remains under contract, and the Browns want him to stay. Still, being passed over for the top job has clearly complicated matters. If Schwartz wants out, the Browns would likely have to release him from his deal before another team could move quickly.
Monken’s challenge now extends beyond building an offense. His ability to navigate this situation could shape how smoothly his tenure begins. For a franchise desperate for sustained success, the fallout from this hire may prove almost as important as the hire itself.
