Report: Jim Schwartz is “gaining momentum” to be next Browns coach

It’s been known for days that, 13 years after the end of his first mandate as head coach, Jim Schwartz I could have a second chance.

Now, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reports that Schwartz “seems to be gaining momentum” in the Browns’ continuing search for a head coach.

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Schwartz, 59, coached the Lions from 2009 to 2013, making the playoffs and going 29-51. He arrived in Cleveland in 2023; during his first year, the Browns had the best defense in the league (in terms of yards per game), but he did not get a single head coach interview.

In the current cycle, only the Browns have interviewed Schwartz, who coordinated the Eagles’ defense that won Super Bowl LII.

As a source told PFT last week, the Browns need to weigh promoting Schwartz versus potentially losing him.

Other members of the group include former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. Among those who opted out were Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter and Grant Udinski.

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If Schwartz gets the job, his biggest hire will be offensive coordinator. Because offense has been the Browns’ problem in recent years. Thanks to Schwartz, the defense has been better than good.