Browns Interview 2 Internal Candidates to Replace Jim Schwartz as DC

Cleveland is beginning to identify candidates for its defensive coordinator opening

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are looking to replace former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who resigned from his position last week. The team is interviewing two internal candidates - safeties coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jason Tarver - for the defensive coordinator job. Both Banda and Tarver have experience working under Schwartz's defensive system, making them potential fits to keep a similar system in place.

Why it matters

The Browns' defensive coordinator search is an important offseason move as the team looks to build on its recent success. Maintaining continuity in the defensive scheme could be beneficial, but the team will also want to ensure they find the right fit to lead the defense going forward.

The details

Ephraim Banda and Jason Tarver are the two internal candidates the Browns are interviewing for their defensive coordinator opening. Banda has experience coordinating defenses at the college level, while Tarver served as the Oakland Raiders' defensive coordinator from 2012-2014. Both coaches have spent the past three seasons working under former Browns DC Jim Schwartz, so they are familiar with his defensive system.

  • The Browns' search for a new defensive coordinator began last week after Schwartz resigned from his position.
  • The team is currently interviewing Banda and Tarver for the job.

The players

Todd Monken

The Cleveland Browns' new head coach, who is leading the search for a new defensive coordinator.

Jim Schwartz

The former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator, who resigned from his position last week.

Ephraim Banda

The Cleveland Browns' safeties coach, who is a candidate for the team's defensive coordinator job.

Jason Tarver

The Cleveland Browns' linebackers coach, who is also a candidate for the team's defensive coordinator job.

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What they’re saying

“The Browns interviewed safeties coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jason Tarver for their defensive coordinator job, per sources.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

“Banda coordinated defenses at Miami and Utah State and was a finalist for multiple DC jobs this year. Tarver was the Raiders DC from 2012-14.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter (NFL Network)

What’s next

The Browns will continue their search for a new defensive coordinator, with Banda and Tarver as the two internal candidates currently being interviewed for the position.

The takeaway

The Browns' defensive coordinator search is a critical offseason move as the team looks to build on its recent success. Maintaining continuity in the defensive scheme could be beneficial, but the team will also want to ensure they find the right fit to lead the defense going forward.