Jim Schwartz wants to be done with the Cleveland Browns but it won’t be that easy for the disgruntled defensive coordinator.
Schwartz was a finalist for the head coaching job in Cleveland. And late in the process, it looked like he was the favorite to land the position. However, the Browns ultimately went with veteran offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
The move didn’t sit well with Schwartz, who said he was done with the Browns after they snubbed him for the job, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
“After the Browns informed DC Jim Schwartz this morning they were passing him over to hire Todd Monken as head coach, Schwartz was visibly upset, said goodbyes in the building and told other coaches he’s not coming back,” Pelissero said. “Schwartz is under contract and Cleveland wants to retain him. But his future is now unclear.”
Browns DC Jim Schwartz Has ‘Limited’ Options
While Schwartz has made his feelings clear — and reportedly cleaned out his office in Berea —his contract will likely prevent him from skipping town for another job.
“His options are somewhat limited. I think they’re trying to let him cool down. Last I checked, Todd Monken is more settled on getting the offensive and special teams staff ready to go,” ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said on 92.3 The Fan. “Then they can let the front office talk with Jim and try to figure things out. They knew he’d be upset.”
Schwartz would be a prime candidate for other jobs around the league and has been linked to the San Francisco 49ers, who are trying to replace Robert Saleh. However, the only way out of Cleveland for Schwartz may be retirement.
“It’s simply not a guarantee he comes back because even though he’s under contract, if he’s salty enough or just doesn’t want to do it, retirement could be a way out,” Fowler said. “They have to do something because they risk losing position coaches and potentially players. It’s a sticky situation but they’re trying to tread carefully.”
Browns Face Chain Reaction to Schwartz Decision
Multiple Browns players came out in support of Schwartz at the end of the season. That included Pro Bowlers Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett.
“I have so much love and respect for coach Schwartz,” Denzel Ward said. “I would highly recommend coach Schwartz for a head coaching job here, definitely. … He’s helped my game tremendously, puts us in great position, great leader. I can’t say enough great things about him, but I think he’s a guy who you want in a coach and somebody to lead a team.”
Depending on how things unfold, the Browns could be walking into a problem that risks alienating some of their most important players.
Garrett, in particular, raised eyebrows with a cryptic meme on social media following the hiring of Monken and the apparent fallout involving Schwartz. And it’s not like Garrett hasn’t flirted with a breaking point before. The Defensive Player of the Year favorite demanded a trade last offseason, making it clear he wants to play for a contender. If Schwartz is out, it’s fair to wonder whether Garrett could revisit that stance.
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