NFL coaching hires are rarely just business moves—they’re emotional, personal, and sometimes explosive.
When teams make their final call, not everyone in the building walks away feeling respected.
That tension boiled over in Cleveland after the Browns made a headline-grabbing decision about their next head coach.
Browns Go Outside the Building for Their New Leader
On Wednesday, Cleveland officially named Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as the franchise’s new head coach.
The announcement followed a broad interview process that included several external candidates as well as at least one familiar face from inside the organization.
Among those hoping to land the job was Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, a longtime NFL coach with decades of experience.
Despite his résumé and internal standing, Cleveland opted to go in a different direction.
Jim Schwartz’s Reaction Turns Heads Inside the Facility
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Schwartz was informed of the decision earlier in the day—and the news did not sit well.
Sources described the 59-year-old as visibly upset after learning he had been passed over.
Not long after, Schwartz reportedly went around the building to say his goodbyes, telling fellow coaches that he would not be returning.
The exit was described as swift and tense, signaling just how deeply the rejection cut.
Contract Still Intact, but the Situation Is Complicated
Despite the emotional response, Schwartz remains under contract with the Browns.
Cleveland, at least for now, would prefer to keep him on staff. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Monken is open to Schwartz staying on as defensive coordinator.
That said, Fowler also noted that the decision to bypass Schwartz could send shockwaves through the defensive side of the roster, potentially affecting both players and coaches who are closely tied to him.
A Career Spanning Nearly Four Decades
Schwartz’s coaching journey stretches across 37 seasons, beginning in college football with stops at Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina Central, and Colgate.
He first joined the Browns organization in 1993 as a personnel scout before climbing the professional ranks.
His NFL path included roles with the Ravens and Titans, eventually earning a promotion to defensive coordinator in Tennessee.
That success paved the way to his first head coaching job with the Detroit Lions.
Detroit Years and a Tough Head Coaching Chapter
Schwartz took over in Detroit during one of the franchise’s darkest periods, following the NFL’s first-ever 0–16 season.
While he helped stabilize the team, success was limited.
The Lions reached the playoffs just once during his five-year tenure, exiting in the 2011 Wild Card round.
He was ultimately dismissed after compiling a 29–51 record, marking a difficult but defining chapter of his career.
Redemption as a Defensive Specialist
After his time in Detroit, Schwartz rebuilt his reputation as a defensive coordinator, working with the Buffalo Bills and later the Philadelphia Eagles.
His work in Philadelphia paid off in a major way, as he helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII.
A brief return to Tennessee as a senior defensive assistant eventually led him back to Cleveland, where he resumed his role as defensive coordinator—until this latest twist.
What This Means for Schwartz and the League
With Schwartz signaling a desire to move on, his future in Cleveland is far from certain, even if the door hasn’t fully closed.
His reaction suggests a clean break may be inevitable.
League-wide, Monken’s hiring leaves just two teams still searching for head coaches: the Arizona Cardinals and the Las Vegas Raiders.
As for Schwartz, the next move could come quickly—or linger amid unresolved emotions.
One thing is clear: this hiring decision has already reshaped more than just Cleveland’s coaching chart.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn