With one problem being solved, the Cleveland Browns team just seems to walk into another.

On January 28, the Cleveland Browns announced that Todd Monken will replace former head coach Kevin Stefanski and at last concluded their search after many bumps.

While Monken brought in high hopes and new enthusiasm thanks to his success rate and experience, Browns experts are sensing tension between him and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. 

Arnold Goldhammer, a host for ESPN Cleveland, recently speculated that Schwartz would rather not work than remain employed under Monken.

In a Monday episode of the show, Goldhammer stated that: “My guess is Jim Schwartz would rather not work than be the DC of the Browns under Todd Monken.” 

Schwartz's resume did built a strong case for him. While the offensive unit under Stefanski and unit coordinator Tommy Rees failed consistently throughout two seasons, the defense never faltered. 

Because of him, the Browns’ defense ranks fourth in the league. They recorded 283.6 defense yards and 43 touchdowns allowed, and an NFL sack record by Myles Garrett.

And yet, it didn’t work out in his favor and the "new hotshot" Monken took over. But Goldhammer guessed that perhaps the management would arrange talks between them to keep him.

After all, he is invaluable to them, but also suspending the franchise in a limbo by remaining vague. 

What’s Next for Jim Schwartz

Some of the key defensive coordinator hires this year were with the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Giants. And they’re either done or about to be finalised, as seen with the Raiders. 

Rich Eisen recently weighed in on this issue and pointed out that Schwartz is contractually bound to work for the Browns. It’s either that or exiting the NFL. He also opined that Garrett can easily fill in his shoes. 

But until then, the franchise would keep taking hits by losing out on practice, if Schwartz remains angry and distant, as per Goldhammer. 

“The longer you wait, the longer you are in a holding pattern. The less you are to get the coaching on,” he concluded.

While Schwartz's records speak for themselves, it is the offense that needs fixing, and Monken is predicted to do just that. If he exits, Schwartz would leave the franchise after three years. The stakes are high, and the management needs to smooth things out soon.

Do you think Schwartz’s reaction is justified? Tell us in the comments.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu