Jim Schwartz will not return as Browns DC for 2026 season

Jim Schwartz will not return as the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator for the 2026 season, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo. Schwartz has served as the Browns' defensive coordinator for the past three seasons but is departing after the team hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach. Schwartz was a finalist for the head coach position and expressed dissatisfaction with being passed over, leading to his decision to leave despite being under contract.

The Browns attempted to keep Schwartz on Monken's staff, but he decided not to remain. Monken, during his introductory news conference, praised Schwartz as an "outstanding defensive coordinator" but refrained from commenting further on his status.

During Schwartz's tenure, the Browns' defense ranked in the top four for yards allowed in two seasons. In 2025, despite a challenging season for the team, his defense was a standout, with Myles Garrett breaking the single-season sack record