CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns defense has transformed into one of the NFL’s most dominant units, and its architect might be coaching himself right out of town.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has constructed a defense so formidable that Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot made a bold declaration: “I can promise you that there is not one offense in the NFL that would want to face this Cleveland Browns defense in the first round of the playoffs.”
That level of dominance — on display again in the Browns’ victory over Las Vegas — raises an inevitable question: Will Schwartz’s masterpiece earn him another shot as an NFL head coach?
“I have long thought that Jim Schwartz should get more looks for the head coaching job. I really have truly, truly believed that in my heart of hearts that I think he’s grown in so many ways since the last time he was a head coach,” Cabot passionately explained on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast.
Schwartz previously served as the Detroit Lions head coach from 2009-2013, compiling a 29-51 record. However, Cabot believes his growth as both a coach and leader since that stint makes him deserving of another opportunity.
“He’s grown as a defensive coordinator, but I think he’s also grown and learned how to deal with players and people and media even more so than when he was a head coach last time,” she noted. “Teams are missing the boat if they don’t interview Jim Schwartz for their head coaching job.”
While the Browns would certainly hate to lose Schwartz, a significant factor in the defense’s dominance has been the interior defensive line — specifically the addition of veteran Maliek Collins, who has transformed the unit.
“It all started with Maliek Collins and the way he just dominated inside the whole first half of the season,” Cabot explained. “And while Mason Graham was coming up the learning curve and the lights were starting to come on for him, Maliek was holding it down and Shelby Harris as well.”
This interior pressure has been the missing piece that’s elevated Myles Garrett to perhaps his most dominant season. After years of searching for the right defensive tackle to complement Garrett in Schwartz’s system, Collins has provided exactly what was needed.
“It really has helped Myles Garrett tremendously. And I’m sure he would be the first to tell you that, that those guys have made all the difference in the world just in terms of working together in concert,” Cabot said. “So there’s, there’s really nowhere for the quarterback to go.”
The evidence of Collins’ impact is clear: he’s recorded 6.5 sacks himself this season, an impressive total that has flown under the radar due to Garrett’s dominance. Cabot believes Collins “should make the Pro Bowl” despite the fact that “it’s hard sometimes to get the recognition that you deserve at defensive tackle.”
As the Browns continue their season, this defensive dominance gives them a puncher’s chance in every game. While the playoffs remain a longshot after their slow start, the combination of an emerging Shedeur Sanders at quarterback and this elite defense offers genuine hope for the future.
The question becomes: Will Schwartz be around to continue leading this unit in 2025, or will his success earn him another opportunity as a head coach?
While NFL hiring trends have favored younger offensive coaches in recent years, Schwartz’s resume is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. At 59, he may not fit the typical profile of recent hires, but Cabot believes his growth and results speak for themselves.
For Browns fans, enjoying this defensive dominance while it lasts might be the wisest approach — both because of the team’s uncertain playoff chances and the possibility that its architect might soon be leading another franchise.
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