Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz isn’t just coaching one of the best defenses in the NFL this year, he’s coaching one of the best defenses in recent NFL history.
With all that success, there is the inevitable question: What, if anything, comes next for Schwartz? He has been a head coach before but was fired after five seasons with the Detroit Lions. He bopped around between the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans before landing in Cleveland, where he has once again proven to be one of the best coordinators in the league.
So when Schwartz was asked if he’d like to be a head coach again, the defensive coordinator didn’t deny the intrigue of another top job. He did, however, acknowledge how much he’s enjoyed his one year with the Browns.
“I’m really happy here. … I love this organization. I love the city of Cleveland,” Schwartz said. ” … But I’d say this: In any job that you do, you always aspire to the top of the profession. And I’m no different there.”
#Browns DC Jim Schwartz acknowledges that he’d love to be a head coach again even tho he loves it here: pic.twitter.com/DTFoj5yRxw
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 4, 2024
That sure sounds like someone who could dabble in some head coaching interviews this offseason.
And why shouldn’t he? His resume is solid and his recent success cannot be denied. The Browns have allowed the fewest total yards, the fewest passing yards, the fewest first downs and the fewest time of possession per opposing drive this season. But on a historical level, Schwartz’s defense has allowed the fewest series conversion rate since 1999 – ahead of the iconic 2000 Baltimore Ravens defense, per Ben Baldwin.
Oh yeah, and defensive end Myles Garrett is one of the top Defensive Player of the Year candidates.
There could be as many as 8-10 head coach openings this season, and some teams may be want to take a look at a candidate with previous experience. Schwartz had an uneven tenure in Detroit with a 29-51 from 2009-2013. He only had one winning season, but did lead the Lions to their first playoff appearance in 11 seasons in 2011.
Schwartz’s defense with the Bills and Eagles ranked worse than 15th in points allowed twice in six seasons. He also coached top-10 defenses during his final two seasons with the Titans from 2007-2008 before he took the Lions job.
Whether or not he interviews or takes a job will have to wait until the Browns finish their season – which won’t be for at least two more weeks.
