The Browns hold DC Jim Schwartz’s contractual rights for the next two seasons, and it sounds like they plan on exploiting that. The team’s defensive mastermind in recent years, Schwartz had his eyes on the head coaching job. When Cleveland passed him over for Todd Monken, he resigned from his job.
But what exactly can he do about it, within his own control? Not much. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns have Jim Schwartz under contract through 2027, with the second year being a club option. And unless owner Jimmy Haslam feels like trading or releasing him, he simply has to not coach. Or that seems to be what Cabot is saying.
“At this point in time, I don’t see a path forward for him except for sitting out the next two seasons”, Cabot said of Schwartz, via Cleveland.com. “Sometimes time changes things. Sometimes there are discussions that can be had and deals that can be made. But at this moment in time, I think the Browns are intent on just letting it play out and having him let the contract expire after two years”.
Despite her note that time can change things, Cabot doesn’t see that happening here. She called the notion of Schwartz—or the Browns—changing their mind after this “crazy wishful thinking”. And she believes the bad blood is now on both sides, which certainly seems plausible.
When Monken, Haslam, and GM Andrew Berry were asked about Jim Schwartz while holding press conferences for the Browns’ new head coach, all of them declined to discuss the matter in any kind of detail. They did say they were having discussions, but it doesn’t sound promising. What they did say was they were committed to running Schwartz’s system, which they credited to the players. Monken said opposing offenses weren’t game-planning to chip Schwartz.
The Browns finished in the top five in yards allowed under Jim Schwartz twice in three seasons. They put up excellent efficiency numbers in yards, plays, time, and points allowed per drive. Even in 2024 when they ranked 19th in yards allowed, they allowed the third-fewest yards per drive. Last season, the Browns allowed 24.5 yards on 5.3 plays per drive, taking an average of 2:40 seconds. The former two ranked first in the NFL, the latter fifth. And at 1.81 points allowed per drive, they ranked eighth in the NFL.
The Browns have some blue-chip players on defense like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, but how much do they owe Jim Schwartz for the success of that unit? It seems they’re fated to find out sooner rather than later. Mary Kay Cabot believes his decision to resign created an irreconcilable difference between the two parties. Of course, that’s generally what a resignation does. But what’s next for one of the NFL’s most respected defensive coordinators—and how soon will we see him again? I’m reluctant to note that he will turn 60 this year.
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