The Cleveland Browns could stick with an internal candidate as they look to hire a new head coach.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will get a second interview with the Browns, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. Subsequently, Albert Breer of The MMQB suggested that Schwartz should be regarded as a serious candidate for the team’s head coach job.
I would not sleep on Jim Schwartz in the Browns search. https://t.co/CsZ1idTjR3
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 16, 2026
Schwartz was not necessarily on anyone’s radar to land a head coaching position this offseason, though he usually gets looks. However, the Browns know him better than most and clearly feel he deserves a serious look. He has been the team’s defensive coordinator since 2023 and has consistently produced quality defensive units during his time in Cleveland.
Schwartz previously spent five seasons as head coach of the Detroit Lions, taking over after their 0-16 season in 2008. He had them in the playoffs by 2011, but stagnated after that. He went 29-51 overall with one winning season.
The Browns have actually interviewed Schwartz for this very job before. He is not necessarily seen as the top choice, but he apparently has a real chance at getting a promotion from Cleveland.
