After Todd Monken was considered for the HC position by passing over Jim Schwartz, there is a question everyone wants the answer to. Will Jim Schwartz stay with the Browns?

Nobody seems to have a definitive answer to that question. Not even Denzel Ward, who has worked closely with the Browns' DC and even backed him for the HC job.

When asked about the rumors of Schwartz moving out, Ward said: “I’m not sure what was true or was not true, so I’m not going to speculate. I’m just going to wait to see how everything plays out and look forward to, hopefully we’re still keeping him. I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Schwartz, and he’s an amazing coach, and I’m hoping he stays on the team.”

The rumors do not sit parallel to what Ward wishes, but it can still come true because Schwartz is under contract until the 2026 season. And even if he wants to go, the Browns are unlikely to release him from his contract.

They can prevent a move as long as it’s not for a head-coaching job. “I’m hoping coach Schwartz stays. That’s what I’m hoping. That’s who I want to stay. I want coach Schwartz to be my defensive coordinator, and if we can make that happen, I’ll be happy," Ward added. And why wouldn't he?

In Schwartz's first two seasons as defensive coordinator with Cleveland, the Browns ranked second in passing yards allowed per game (188.6) and third in total yards allowed per game (306.1). And in the last season, the defense managed the fourth-fewest total yards per game (283.6).

Ward himself has recorded 100 solo tackles, 22 assists, 1 fumble recovery, and 5 interceptions in 44 games since Jim Schwartz was hired. He would love to have him back on the team. Though unfortunately, he had not talked to him or vice versa. Ward likes the new head coach though.

Denzel Ward Excited About Todd Monken Despite Backing Jim Schwartz for the HC

When Kevin Stefanski was fired, Denzel Ward was one of the guys to rally behind Jim Schwartz. "I would highly recommend Coach Schwartz for a head coaching job here. Definitely,” said Ward back then without hesitation. That did not happen, but he is excited about Todd Monken.

"Yeah from what I've heard, his development of the offense and how he's able to pick those guys up and enhance guys' games," he said in an interview. I think I've seen some stats on how he's helped Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry and they've had some of their best seasons under Todd Monken. I'm just looking forward to us having an amazing offense."

Monken was the Ravens' OC for three seasons, where he led an elite offense that ranked first in the NFL in total offense (424.9 yards per game), rushing, red-zone efficiency, and yards per play in 2024. He helped Lamar Jackson win the MVP in 2023.

What kind of impact do you think he will have on the Browns' offense?

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Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu