The rumors that Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was interested in leaving the team turned out to be true. In a major blow to the organization, Schwartz announced that he's leaving the organization after two years.

In an X post, NFL expert Tom Pelissero reported that Schwartz had made up his mind after the Browns hired Todd Monken as their head coach.

“Jim Schwartz made clear he wanted out after being passed over for the head coaching job. The Browns wanted to keep him, but after discussions, Schwartz stood firm and now is expected to sit out this season,” Pelissero wrote.

The defensive coordinator was one of the forerunners and an inside candidate for the head coach job after turning the Browns’ defense into one of the best in the league in 2025.

In fact, the Browns’ defence was better than the teams competing in the Super Bowl, thanks to Jim Schwartz. The Browns allowed only 283.6 yards per game, finishing the season ranked #4.

Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks allowed 285.9 yards and ranked sixth, while the Patriots allowed 295.2 yards and finished the regular season in the eighth spot. So Schwartz's departure was yet another blow as the Browns scramble to rebuild.

Jim Schwartz Added to the List of Coaches Who Have Left

The Browns started the rebuild by firing Kevin Stefanski shortly after the regular season ended. However, since then, Jim Schwartz has become the third coach to leave voluntarily.

Days after former head coach Kevin Stefanski settled into the Atlanta Falcons, Tommy Rees joined the Falcons as offensive coordinator on January 22.

Running back Bijan Robinson revealed that the OC would have the authority to make game calls, just as he did in his time with the Browns.

Apart from Reese, the Browns lost Raymond Vetrone to the Los Angeles Rams. The franchise hired the special team coordinator on February 2.

This unexpected development was another massive blow to the Browns as they lost a key staff member. Under Vetrone's coaching, the Browns blocked three field goals in 2023, the most by any team in that season.

He replaced Chase Blackburn at the Rams, who was under fire when the unit failed to deliver in the NFC game.

So it seems the Browns just can't catch a break. It may be safe to say that Todd Monken and the Browns management have their work cut out ahead of the 2026 season.

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi