Ex-Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
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Ex-Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The Cleveland Browns have provided their clearest explanation yet for why they ultimately passed over Jim Schwartz for their head coaching job.
Speaking at the NFL owners meetings, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam directly addressed Schwartz’s departure. He acknowledged the decorated defensive coordinator came close to landing the head coaching job before the organization ultimately went in a different, offensive direction.
“No, I thought Jim did a really nice job. He made it all the way to the very final group because he did a really nice job,” Haslam said of Schwartz. “We know Jim really well. There was a bias to hire an offensive guy. So there’s nothing against Jim. He did a nice job.”
Schwartz reportedly stormed out of the building, packed up his office, and told people close to him that he was done in Cleveland after being passed over in favor of Todd Monken.
Mike Rutenberg Steps In for Browns
The Browns turned to Mike Rutenberg to replace Schwartz. He spent last season as the Atlanta Falcons’ defensive passing game coordinator. It marks Rutenberg’s first opportunity to run a defense at the NFL level.
Monken was drawn to Rutenberg’s familiarity with the system and the energy he brings to the role. But just as importantly, Monken’s commitment is to continuity. The new head coach has made it clear he has no intention of overhauling a defensive scheme that powered one of the league’s top defenses in recent seasons.
The Browns finished fourth in total defense (283.6 yards allowed per game) last season. Cleveland’s defense was anchored by two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, five-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward, and Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger.
Monken has also been blunt about the reason he was hired.
“There’s a reason why I was hired here,” Monken said. “Let’s not kid ourselves. I was hired to become elite on offense and that’s what we’re going to fight every day to be, and I’m fired up because I think we have a chance to really take off. I really do. I think the time is right now to take off and really build it the way you want, so you’re consistently competing for championships.”
Browns May Have Myles Garrett Issue
Garrett is the leader of the defense but has done little to back the new leadership. When reports surfaced that Schwartz was threatening to leave, Garrett posted a meme to his Instagram story depicting a woman slumped over in exhaustion. Garrett had praised Schwartz openly at the end of last season.
“To play for Jim has been an honor and a privilege,” Garrett said. “He’s a great coach. He’s a great man of character and a great leader. So I just appreciate the fact that I’ve been coached by him.”
The Browns reworked Garrett’s contract this offseason, creating a clearer path to trade him. However, the team has stated emphatically that they have no plans to move Garrett. He’s coming off a record-setting season where he notched 23 sacks.