The Cleveland Browns’ search for a new head coach is already drawing caution, with concerns that the wrong hire could jeopardize one of the team’s few true strengths following Kevin Stefanski’s firing.
Cleveland parted ways with Stefanski on Monday, ending the tenure of the two-time NFL Coach of the Year after a disappointing 5-12 season. Stefanski finishes his Browns run with a 45-56 regular-season record over six seasons, highlighted by two playoff appearances and one postseason victory.
Stefanski was originally hired to modernize and stabilize the offense, but that vision never fully materialized, largely due to ongoing instability at quarterback. While the offense struggled to find consistency, the Browns quietly established themselves as one of the league’s most potent defensive units.
That success has been driven by talent — most notably Myles Garrett — and strong leadership from defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive minds.
Schefter: Browns Risk Losing Jim Schwartz
As Cleveland evaluates its next move, ESPN’s Adam Schefter warned against hiring a defensive-minded coach at the risk of losing Schwartz.
“I don’t think the Cleveland Browns can hire a defensive-minded head coach and keep that defense together the way it is for this reason,” Schefter said. “Their defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, has done a tremendous job and is respected around the league. If they hire a defensive-minded head coach — Brian Flores, Jesse Minter, Steve Spagnuolo — Jim Schwartz is not going to be happy and they will lose him.”
The Browns’ defense finished the season ranked No. 4 in yards given up per game (283.6) in spite of an offense that ranked near the bottom of the league in nearly every category. Cleveland has some work to do to improve its roster, but should not touch the defense, per Schefter.
“If you’re the Browns, you are absolutely looking at an offensive-minded head coach so you can retain your defensive coordinator who is sought after. If they lose Schwartz, that defense steps back,” Schefter said. “The defense is taken care of. You don’t want to mess with something that’s successful. Let’s get the offense humming and get the quarterback right.”
Jim Schwartz Potential Head Coach Candidate for Browns
There’s a chance that the Browns could turn to Schwartz as they look to fill their head coaching vacancy. He previously was the head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009-13, posting a 29-51 record.
“Jim’s an outstanding football coach. We have a lot of respect for him, a lot of appreciation for him, and he has certainly earned the right for consideration,” Browns GM Andrew Berry said. “But that’s something that we still have to discuss and obviously discuss with him.”
Schwartz has earned the respect of his players, including Garrett, who is fresh off setting the NFL single-season sack record.
“I know he’s regimented and very efficient. That’s how he runs it on defense, so those two things would hold true,” Garrett said of Schwartz prior to Stefanski being fired.
Browns safety Grant Delpit echoed that sentiment.
“I think it goes without saying what kind of coach he is and the energy he brings,” safety Grant Delpit said. “Look, I think Coach Schwartz is going to be a great, still-got-it type of head coach. He’s a fiery guy and I’d vouch for him.”
The Browns are expected to start lining up interviews for their head coach opening soon. Mike McCarthy and Kliff Kingsbury were listed as early favorites for the gig.
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