Former Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is returning to Cleveland.
The Browns plan to hire Schwartz as their new DC, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday, per a source informed of the situation. Cleveland confirmed the move Wednesday morning.
"Jim Schwartz has been an outstanding coach in this league for a very long time, and we are thrilled that he is joining our staff to lead our defense as the defensive coordinator," head coach Kevin Stefanski said in the Browns' statement on Schwartz's hiring. "Jim has seen defensive success at each of his coaching stops because he knows how to get the best out of his players and will match scheme to suit strengths. Jim is a passionate leader who believes in teaching fundamentals. We're excited about the vast experience he brings to our staff to meet the demands it takes to consistently defend the varying offenses in the AFC North and across the National Football League."
Schwartz got his NFL start with the Browns under Bill Belichick as a personnel scout from 1993-1995.
Schwartz rose to prominence as the Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator (2001-2008), which helped him land the Detroit Lions head coaching gig. Schwartz helped the Lions return to the postseason for the first time in over a decade but bottomed out, going 29-51 in five seasons.
After his stint as a head coach, the fiery Schwartz returned to defensive coordinator duties. He spent one season as DC in Buffalo in 2014. He then moved to Philadelphia, where he spent the next five seasons as the coordinator, helping the Eagles win their first Lombardi Trophy in 2017.
Schwartz left Eagles following the 2020 season, returning to Tennessee as a senior defensive assistant for the past two campaigns.
Now he's back in Cleveland to help turn around an underperforming defense under former DC Joe Woods. Schwartz's scheme meshes well with Pro Bowl edge rusher Myles Garrett, but the Browns must spend the offseason upgrading a unit with holes at every level.
