Jim Schwartz recently met with the Cleveland Browns but his return as defensive coordinator is still trending in the wrong direction.
Schwartz was a finalist for the Browns’ head coaching job, but the organization ultimately hired Todd Monken to replace Kevin Stefanski. The decision reportedly didn’t sit well with Schwartz, who stormed out of the building, packed up his office, and told people close to him that he was done in Cleveland.
That could leave Monken’s staff without the architect of one of the NFL’s most dominant defenses. Monken did not want to discuss Schwartz’s status during his introductory press conference on Tuesday.
“First of all, I think Jim is an outstanding defensive coordinator, I think we all would agree with that,” Monken said. “But I think it’s a little inappropriate for me to comment about that at this time.”
Browns general manager Andrew Berry also declined to comment on Schwartz, who is under contract for next season.
“We have a ton of respect for Jim and everything like that,” Berry said. “But this is not the setting.”
Browns DC Jim Schwartz Met With Todd Monken
The Browns have made no secret of their admiration for Schwartz, who has overseen Cleveland’s defense for the past three seasons. Ideally, the team would like him to stay in place and continue coaching under Monken. But any hope of that appears to be fading.
Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reported that Schwartz returned to the team facility on Monday, presumably to discuss his future. Still, signs point to him leaving.
“I was told Jim Schwartz was in the building yesterday. I’m sure that’s when those two guys put their heads together and talked,” Cabot said. “But he certainly sounded like a man who does not think he’s going to have his defensive coordinator on hand.”
Todd Monken Says Browns Defense More About Players
Monken stressed that he has no intention of changing the team’s defensive system and suggested the Browns’ elite unit is driven more by personnel than by any single coordinator.
“I’ve had a chance to talk with Jim,” said Monken, who previously was the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. “It’s been a (expletive) to go against his defense six times over the last three years. Schematically, and more importantly the players. Because ultimately, it’s a player’s game — that’s what it is. It’s our job as coaches to develop systems that allow your players to play fast.
“When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz, I was chipping Myles Garrett. And when I was sliding a protection to the outside backers or Grant Delpit, who were blitzing off the edge, I was sliding the protection of the players. And when I was worried about throwing to the right against Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell to the left, that’s who I was worried about throwing at.”
Monken has already done some work to build out his offensive staff. But he could be searching for a new defensive coordinator soon.
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