The Cleveland Browns have conducted their second interview with Jim Schwartz as they narrow their list of candidates to replace Kevin Stefanski.
The Browns conducted their second-round interview with Schwartz on Monday, per the team. Schwartz completed his first interview Jan. 8 and is the first candidate to advance to a second meeting.
The 59-year-old is in his third season as Cleveland’s defensive coordinator and returned to the organization in 2023 after beginning his NFL career with the Browns as a scout from 1993-95. Since Schwartz’s arrival, Cleveland’s defense has ranked first in the league across numerous categories, including total yards allowed per game, opponent first downs allowed, third- and fourth-down percentage, passing yards allowed per game, first downs per pass attempt and tackles for loss.
Despite a 5-12 record, the Browns finished last season allowing the fourth-fewest total yards (283.6 per game) and third-fewest passing yards (167.2), ranked third with 53 sacks — a franchise record — and tied for second with eight defensive touchdowns.
Schwartz previously served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009-13. His 29 years of NFL coaching experience include 17 seasons as a defensive coordinator, with stops in Tennessee, Buffalo and Philadelphia, where he helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII.
Browns Players Support Jim Schwartz
Schwartz remains a popular figure inside the Browns’ building, as evidenced by earning a second interview with the franchise. Just as important, he has strong support in the locker room — a factor that carries significant weight in the coaching search and can’t be overlooked.
“I have so much love and respect for coach Schwartz,” Browns cornerback 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.”
Browns superstar has also shown support for Schwartz getting a head coaching position.
“I love Jim, and I love playing for him,” Garrett said.
Garrett has thrived in Schwartz’s system, elevating his game to a new level. The former No. 1 overall pick notched an NFL record 23 sacks last season.
Browns May Look Into Sean McDermott
A new candidate emerged on Monday when the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott following an overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. The Browns could want to have a conversation with McDermott, who posted a 98-50 record over nine season in Buffalo.
“It wouldn’t be surprising for the Browns to call about McDermott. They interviewed him for their head coach vacancy in 2016 when they ultimately settled on Hue Jackson, who was fired midway through the 2018 season with a 3-36-1 record,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com said.
McDermott said he plans to coach next season, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Browns also have second interviews coming up with Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
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