Browns' head coaching search: Where DC Jim Schwartz stands - ESPN

BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns are in the third week of their search for a head coach to replace Kevin Stefanski, and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is a central figure.

Since arriving in Cleveland in 2023, Schwartz has led one of the NFL's best defenses. Though Stefanski was fired, owner Jimmy Haslam said he «absolutely» would like to keep Schwartz with the organization.

Schwartz, who went 29-51 in five seasons as the Detroit Lions' head coach from 2009 to 2013, has interviewed for the Browns' opening, and is scheduled to interview Monday for a second time, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schwartz also has interviewed for the Baltimore Ravens' head coaching vacancy.

Any decision on the staff, though, will be the «prerogative» of the new coach, according to Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry, who is leading the head coaching search.

As the Browns continue interviews and weigh their options for a new head coach, it could come at the cost of breaking up continuity with one of the league's most stout defenses.

«We think a lot of Jim Schwartz,» Haslam said.

Under the stewardship of Schwartz, 59, the Browns have produced an elite defense in each of the the past three seasons. In 2025, the Browns finished fourth in total defense, giving up 283.6 yards per game. Their 53 sacks this season are the most in franchise history and the third most in the NFL. And over the past three seasons, Cleveland has given up the fewest yards per game (298.6) in the NFL and posted the best third-down conversion rate (33.8%) in the league.

Defensive end Myles Garrett has reached new heights under Schwartz, winning his first Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023. Garrett recorded 23 sacks this season to break the NFL's