Jim Schwartz returning? One reason the Browns DC could stay after all

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Jim Schwartz returning? One reason the Browns DC could stay after all originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Todd Monken era has officially begun in Cleveland, but the real drama is on the defensive side of the ball. While reports initially painted a picture of a "visibly upset" Jim Schwartz saying his goodbyes after being passed over for the head coaching job, the door to a Browns return hasn't slammed shut just yet.

According to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, there is still a "decent chance" Schwartz returns for 2026.

More: Browns own the best 2026 breakout star in the AFC North

The logic is simple. Schwartz is under contract, and the roster is built specifically for his multiple-front attack.

Sources indicate that once the initial sting of the Monken hire dissipates, the allure of finishing what he started with the league's most dominant unit might outweigh the desire for a fresh start elsewhere.

PROS: Keeping the Architect	CONS: The Risk of a Divided House
Instant Continuity: No learning curve for Myles Garrett or the secondary; the Browns keep their identity.	Locker Room Split: Defensive leaders loyal to Schwartz might inadvertently undermine Monken’s new authority.
Elite Pairing: Combining Monken’s aggressive offense with Schwartz’s top-tier defense creates an immediate substantial improvement.	Power Struggle: If the offense struggles, the "Schwartz should have been HC" whispers could create a toxic "shadow regime."

The Verdict:

Todd Monken is reportedly open to the partnership, but the ball is entirely in Schwartz's court. If he can pivot from "passed over" to "partner in success," the Browns could boast the most formidable coaching staff in the AFC North.

More Browns News:​

• PFF's Senior Bowl risers: 3 targets to fix the Browns offense in the NFL Draft
• Todd Monken just made his most important Browns coaching hire (and it’s not the OC)
• Harbaugh, Kelly, Smart: Why Browns Todd Monken wins everywhere
• Watch: The Browns viral Shedeur Sanders-Todd Monken meeting that just settled QB1 debate
• Is Browns Todd Monken already the best HC in the AFC North? Ranking the division’s coaches

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