Browns Defensive Coordinator Resigns, Eyeing Raiders Job

Jim Schwartz's unusual 'George Costanza' strategy could be his ticket to Las Vegas

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Despite resigning from his defensive coordinator role with the Cleveland Browns, Jim Schwartz remains under contract and the team has no interest in letting him join their conference rival, the Las Vegas Raiders, for free. Schwartz is reportedly considering a 'George Costanza'-style strategy of quitting and then immediately returning, hoping the Browns will have to either bring him back to a non-existent job or release him, allowing him to then join the Raiders.

Why it matters

This situation highlights the complex contract negotiations and power dynamics between teams, coaches, and the league office when it comes to hiring and firing decisions. Schwartz's potential 'Costanza' move could set a precedent for how coaches can maneuver their way out of existing contracts to join other teams.

The details

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz officially resigned from his position, but the team is 'holding him hostage' by refusing to release him from his contract. This prevents Schwartz from taking the defensive coordinator job with the Las Vegas Raiders, who have made him a top target. To get around this, Schwartz is reportedly considering a 'George Costanza' strategy - quitting in a dramatic fashion, and then immediately returning to the Browns, forcing them to either bring him back to a non-existent job or release him, allowing him to then join the Raiders.

  • On February 14, 2026, Jim Schwartz officially resigned from his defensive coordinator position with the Cleveland Browns.
  • The Browns have not released Schwartz from his contract, preventing him from joining the Las Vegas Raiders.

The players

Jim Schwartz

The former defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns who has resigned from his position but remains under contract, eyeing a move to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Cleveland Browns

The NFL team that currently employs Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator, but is refusing to release him from his contract to allow him to join the Raiders.

Las Vegas Raiders

The NFL team that has made Jim Schwartz a top target for their defensive coordinator opening, but is unable to hire him due to his existing contract with the Browns.

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What they’re saying

“If you're a Cleveland Browns fan, the current defensive coordinator situation feels a lot like "The Summer of George"—except nobody is having any fun.”

— Andy McNamara, Author (sportingnews.com)

“This is where the true "Costanza" strategy comes into play. In the classic episode "The Revenge," George blows up at his boss, quits in a blaze of glory, and then (after realizing he has no other prospects) simply shows up on Monday morning pretending the whole thing never happened.”

— Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk (sportingnews.com)

What’s next

If the Browns have already filled Schwartz's former position, they would be forced to either bring him back to a job that no longer exists or release him from his contract, allowing Schwartz to then join the Raiders.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the complex power dynamics between teams, coaches, and the league when it comes to hiring and firing decisions. Schwartz's potential 'Costanza' move could set a precedent for how coaches can maneuver their way out of existing contracts to join other teams, potentially leading to more dramatic contract disputes in the future.