Browns Reporter Blasts Jim Schwartz for Resigning as Defensive Coordinator

Schwartz's decision to leave the Browns has been criticized as a self-sabotaging move.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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After the Cleveland Browns hired Todd Monken as their new head coach, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz resigned from his position. Browns reporter Daryl Ruiter and co-host Nick Pedone have strongly criticized Schwartz's decision, calling it an embarrassment that has set back his own coaching career.

Why it matters

Schwartz was seen as a top candidate for the Browns' head coaching job, and his resignation after not getting the position raises questions about his future in the NFL. The Browns' inability to trade or release Schwartz from his contract also complicates the situation.

The details

Schwartz was under contract with the Browns for two more years as their defensive coordinator. However, after Monken was hired as the new head coach, Schwartz decided to resign from his role. Browns reporters Daryl Ruiter and Nick Pedone have heavily criticized this decision, arguing that Schwartz "validated" the team's choice to hire Monken over him and "embarrassed himself" by leaving the organization.

  • On February 8, 2026, Jim Schwartz resigned as the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator.
  • The Browns hired Todd Monken as their new head coach, leading to Schwartz's resignation.

The players

Jim Schwartz

The former defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns who resigned from his position after the team hired Todd Monken as their new head coach.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, hired after the team did not promote Jim Schwartz to the head coaching role.

Daryl Ruiter

A Cleveland Browns reporter who heavily criticized Jim Schwartz's decision to resign as the team's defensive coordinator.

Nick Pedone

A co-host who agreed with Daryl Ruiter's criticism of Jim Schwartz's resignation from the Browns.

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What they’re saying

“It's understandable, but all you did was validate their decision to not promote you and to hire Todd Monken, instead.”

— Daryl Ruiter, Browns reporter (92.3 The Fan)

“You took your ball and went home. They retain your rights. And, that's two more years on this deal, and you aren't even allowed to trade for a coordinator. So, Jim, you effectively set your own career back by two seasons. Jim Schwartz, in my opinion, is an accomplished defensive coordinator. In my view, he kind of embarrassed himself on his way out of here.”

— Nick Pedone, Co-host (92.3 The Fan)

What’s next

The Browns have begun interviewing candidates to replace Jim Schwartz as their defensive coordinator, with safeties coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jason Tarver among the initial candidates. However, the Browns retain Schwartz's rights and cannot trade him, meaning he will likely have to sit out the next two years unless the team and Schwartz reach some kind of resolution.

The takeaway

Jim Schwartz's decision to resign as the Browns' defensive coordinator after not being promoted to head coach has been widely criticized as a self-sabotaging move that has damaged his own coaching career prospects. The Browns' inability to trade or release Schwartz from his contract further complicates the situation, raising questions about his future in the NFL.