Fri Feb 06 16:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Browns’ Coaching Carousel Continues: Schwartz Expected to Depart After Monken Hire

The Story:

Following the Cleveland Browns’ hiring of Todd Monken as their new head coach, the future of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is uncertain. Monken addressed the situation during his introductory press conference, acknowledging discussions with Schwartz, who reportedly expressed his intention to leave Cleveland after being passed over for the head coaching position. While Monken expressed respect for Schwartz, he emphasized that his decision to accept the Browns’ job was based on the team’s players, ownership, and the opportunity to rebuild the offense.

The Browns hired Monken after firing Kevin Stefanski, after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025. This marks the second time Schwartz has been overlooked for the head coaching role in Cleveland. Schwartz is under contract through 2026, potentially allowing the Browns to block other teams from hiring him as a defensive coordinator.

Key Points:

  • Todd Monken has been named the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
  • Jim Schwartz’s future with the Browns is uncertain, with reports suggesting he intends to leave after being passed over for the head coaching job.
  • Monken confirmed he has spoken with Schwartz but declined to comment further.
  • Schwartz was a finalist for the head coaching position twice in the last 6 years (2020, 2026).
  • Monken plans to call offensive plays as head coach.
  • Monken did not commit to Shedeur Sanders as QB1.
  • Schwartz is under contract through the 2026 season.
  • Under Schwartz, the Browns’ defense has been among the best in the NFL, allowing the fewest yards since 2023.
  • Myles Garrett won one Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023 and is likely to win his second in 2026 under Schwartz.

Critical Analysis:

The Browns’ decision to hire an offensive-minded head coach like Monken, despite Schwartz’s defensive success, underscores a strategic shift towards prioritizing the team’s struggling offense, which ranked last in points scored over the past two seasons (15.8 points per game). The historical context reveals that Schwartz’s departure was anticipated. He was likely holding out hope for the head coaching job, and failing that, he will likely seek a role elsewhere, aligning with his desire to be a head coach again, as reported.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Browns are undergoing significant coaching changes.
  • Jim Schwartz’s departure appears imminent.
  • The Browns’ leadership is prioritizing offensive improvement.
  • Myles Garrett’s performance under Schwartz elevated the Browns’ defense.
  • The power dynamic shifted in favor of Monken, solidifying his control over the team’s direction.

Impact Analysis:

Schwartz’s exit will significantly impact the Browns’ defense, requiring Monken to find a suitable replacement to maintain the unit’s high performance. It’s likely other teams will soon reach out to Schwartz for coaching jobs, making his contractual status with the Browns a crucial negotiation point. The change also puts pressure on Monken to quickly revamp the offense and justify the organization’s decision to prioritize that side of the ball. Monken’s success in rebuilding the offense is pivotal to the team’s future trajectory, and will either cement the decision to put emphasis on the offense or be seen as a catastrophic mistake.

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