Jim Schwartz opens up about messy Browns split after being passed over for head coaching job
Jim Schwartz was unsuccessful in Cleveland’s head coaching search, which led to him leaving the Browns after two seasons as defensive coordinator.
The Browns entered the new season searching for a replacement after firing Kevin Stefanski, and Schwartz quickly emerged as the leading candidate after leading one of the NFL’s best defenses.
Ultimately, however, ownership chose to hire former Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken.
Now Schwartz is speaking out about the split with the Browns.
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Schwartz opened up about his messy departure during an appearance on the “Ryan Ripken Show,” shedding light on the decision that followed Cleveland’s search for a new head coach.
Jim Schwartz explained why he left the Browns and revealed why it was never realistic to stay with new head coach Todd Monken. (Photo: Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) ((Photo: Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images))
While Schwartz said he understood the organization’s decision, he also made it clear that remaining on Monken’s staff was never a realistic option.
“They wanted to go with an offensive guy. They chose Todd. That’s fine with me,” Schwartz said. “They can make whatever decisions they want to make, you know. But they can’t expect me to agree on this.”
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Schwartz found a return to his previous role to be an untenable situation after believing he deserved consideration for the senior job.
“Anybody who’s ever worked in any job, when you do a really good job at your job and you think you’re in line for a promotion and you get passed over for a promotion, it’s time to go,” Schwartz said.
The experienced coach suggested that this arrangement would create an odd dynamic from the very beginning.
Instead of making the situation work, he opted to make a clean break.
“Forced marriage doesn’t work in the NFL,” Schwartz said.
Todd Monken speaks to the media after being introduced as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns during a press conference at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio, on February 3, 2026. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken looks on during a volunteer senior minicamp at the CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on April 21, 2026 in Berea, Ohio. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
He also questioned whether he could effectively maintain his authority within the building after his hiring decision.
“I didn’t feel like I could do my job after I was given up as a coach,” he added.
Schwartz eventually resigned from his position and will spend the upcoming season away from the sidelines due to the terms of his contract.
As Monken took over as head coach, Cleveland tapped Mike Rutenberg to lead the defense.
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Whether the Browns made the right decision will ultimately be determined on the field.
What Schwartz made clear was that Cleveland’s own decision was already made after drafting Monken.
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