The Cleveland Browns will have to make an intriguing decision on Jim Schwartz.
Schwartz is the Browns’ defensive coordinator, but he wasn’t happy that he didn’t get the head coaching job. With that, his future with the team is very much in doubt.
Schwartz reportedly told people in the building he won’t return, despite being under contract. However, Browns reporter Jason Lloyd of The Athletic believes Cleveland should let him go, as they did with Kyle Shanahan years ago.
“Legally, the Browns have every right to try to force Jim Schwartz to fulfill his contract or choose retirement,” Lloyd wrote. “He really doesn’t have any other options if they want to take the hard way. “Doing the right thing” would entail letting him out of his deal. Which the Browns did previously under a different regime with offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. It might be time again to do the right thing and let Schwartz walk.”
Lloyd believes if Schwartz isn’t happy in Cleveland, it’s wise for the Browns to let him go, to salvage future relationships with other coaches. The reporter also understands why Schwartz isn’t happy, which is why he believes the Browns should let him go.
“I’d lean more toward him overreacting, while acknowledging it’s complicated,” Lloyd added. “He was signed to be the defensive coordinator, and that’s still his role. Though lines get blurred when emotions are involved. Schwartz is 59 and likely believes this was his last chance at a head coaching role. So it’s understandable why he’d be upset.”
Schwartz been the Browns’ defensive coordinator since 2023. He was an NFL head coach from 2009 to 2013.
Schwartz Could Retire
With Schwartz being unhappy in his current role, the veteran defensive coordinator could retire if the Browns don’t let him go.
Given the fact that Schwartz could walk away anyway, Lloyd believes it’s wise for the Browns to let him go, to save face.
“Sure, the Browns can hold Schwartz accountable for his contract — to an extent — and drag him into work every day,” Lloyd wrote. “Players like David Njoku and even Myles Garrett have made trade requests and were told no. Both players eventually stayed. Schwartz is in a bit of a different category. He has made enough money in his life that he can walk away from the NFL and retire. And there isn’t anything the Browns can do about it.
“There is another civil, more peaceful alternative: Just let him go. Thank him for his service, for rebuilding this unit, and allow him to pursue other opportunities. There aren’t any coordinator jobs open currently, although that could change. He may have to work as a consultant again for a year and try to get back in during the next hiring cycle. If the Browns truly admire and respect Schwartz as much as they claim, they can prove it by doing the right thing and letting him out of his contract. Not every dispute has to end in litigation.”
Schwartz was the AP assistant Coach of the Year in 2023.
Browns HC Hopeful to Retain Schwartz
Cleveland opted to hire Todd Monken as their head coach instead of Schwartz.
Yet, Monken is hopeful to keep Schwartz as his DC as he knows how good his defense is.
“So, I’ve had a chance to talk with Jim. But it’s been a b*tch, I apologize, to go against his defense six times over the last three years,” Monken said.
Whether or not Monken will be able to retain Schwartz is to be seen.
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