The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of trying to fill out new head coach Mike McCarthy's coaching staff. McCarthy is an offensive-minded individual and he has already said that he will be calling off of the plays for the offense. This means the most important hire on the staff is going to come down to the defensive coordinator, and there have already been a couple candidates discussed. This job is going to be key as the organization pays the defense a ton of money, but the results and production hasn't necessarily been there in recent years. Hopefully that can change in 2026.
David Richard / Associated Press
Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz on the sideline ahead of a rainy home game.
One coach that would seemingly be a dream hire is Jim Schwartz, who is the current defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. Schwartz is widely regarded as one of the best defensive coordinators in the league, and he has led a top defense on multiple occasions. Having him in Pittsburgh would be huge, but he is under contract in Cleveland for the 2026 season. He was interviewing for the head coaching gig in Cleveland, but he was passed up on Wednesday as the franchise hired Todd Monken. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that there is a chance he doesn't return to the Browns.
"Source: 'No guarantee' Jim Schwartz is back as Browns defensive coordinator," Fowler wrote. "Decision not to go with Schwartz could cause ripple effect with defensive side (players, coaches, etc). But he is under contract, and Todd Monken appears open to him staying. Situation fluid and much to sort out."
Schwartz was upset that he was passed over for the head coaching job, which is completely fair. The franchise was telling candidates for the head coaching position that it wanted Schwartz to remain as the organization's defensive coordinator, and that caused some candidates to lose interest in the job. It is a complete mess in Cleveland, and now the franchise might be without its best coach in 2026.
Sue Ogrocki / AP photo
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) laughs at NFL football minicamp in Berea, Ohio, Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Fowler suspects that this type of disruption could cause a ripple effect with the defensive side of the roster. Players could grow frustrated as many love Schwartz. Myles Garrett is a player who initially requested a trade during the 2025 offseason, but wound up signing an extension while talking about how much he wanted to win. The Browns went on to win just five games in 2025, so Cleveland could end up going through a similar saga with some of their defensive stars. Schwartz is still under contract with the franchise as mentioned, but it seems like he has no interest in coaching there after being passed up.
NFL Insider Mike Garafolo reported that Schwartz doesn't plan to stay with the team.
"Browns DC Jim Schwartz was upset at being passed over for HC and told coaches he doesn’t plan on staying in Cleveland, sources tell The Insiders," Garafolo wrote. "Schwartz is under contract and the team wants him, but it’s a situation that at the very least needs to be worked through."
Cleveland has somehow messed up this head coach search to a level that couldn't even be imagined. Schwartz is furious and wants out, and Monken was "open" to the idea of keeping him on as defensive coordinator. If Monken doesn't want him around, Schwartz could be released from his contract. That could allow Pittsburgh to swoop in and land him for McCarthy's staff. With the Ravens and Bengals set at defensive coordinator only the Steelers would allow Schwartz the ability to beat his former team twice a season.
Matt Starkey / Cleveland Browns
Browns' Denzel Ward lined up against the New Orleans Saints during a loss in 2024.
Steelers Could See Cleveland's Defense Fall Apart
Schwartz has been Cleveland's defensive coordinator since the 2023 season, and players have formed a good relationship with him. The stars like Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Garrett Delpit are not going to be happy to see him leave. The defense was literally the only thing the Browns had going for themselves, and it is now potentially ruined.
Pittsburgh has to do everything possible to get Schwartz to the Steelers, especially if he is officially not retained by the new coach.
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