Browns Promote Ephraim Banda to Defensive Coordinator

Banda, the team's safeties coach, will take over the defense after Jim Schwartz's departure.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have promoted Ephraim Banda, their current safeties coach, to be the team's new defensive coordinator. Banda will replace Jim Schwartz, who recently resigned from the position. Banda has previous experience as a defensive coordinator at Utah State and has coached safeties at Miami and Cleveland, helping develop the team's secondary into one of the league's best.

Why it matters

Maintaining continuity on defense is crucial for the Browns, who have built one of the NFL's top units under Schwartz's leadership. Banda's familiarity with the defensive scheme and personnel should allow the Browns to seamlessly transition to a new coordinator and keep their defense performing at a high level.

The details

Banda, 44, has worked his way up the coaching ranks, starting as a graduate assistant at Texas before becoming a defensive quality control coach and safeties coach at Miami and Utah State. He has experience as a defensive coordinator, having held that role at Utah State. Banda is known for his aggressive, physical defensive approach that has helped develop standout safety play for the Browns.

  • Schwartz officially resigned as Browns defensive coordinator on Friday.
  • Banda has been the Browns' safeties coach since 2023.

The players

Ephraim Banda

The new defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, who has previously served as a safeties coach and defensive coordinator at other programs.

Jim Schwartz

The former defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, who recently resigned from the position.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who has a history of transforming offenses.

Myles Garrett

The star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns, who has won two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Grant Delpit

The Browns' starting safety, who is annually one of the team's top tacklers.

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What’s next

The Browns will look to maintain their defensive success under new coordinator Ephraim Banda, who will aim to build on the foundation laid by Jim Schwartz.

The takeaway

The Browns' decision to promote Ephraim Banda to defensive coordinator represents a commitment to continuity on that side of the ball. Banda's familiarity with the defensive scheme and personnel should allow the team to seamlessly transition to a new coordinator and keep their defense performing at a high level.