The Opening Drive 2/3: HC Todd Monken Must Have Full Authority On Any Decision Surrounding Jim Schwartz's Potential Return
Any decision forced by ownership or the front office undermines Monken's authority and risks repeating past mistakes under this regime.
The Cleveland Browns are currently in a difficult situation. After reportedly storming out of the facility and clearing out his office upon not being awarded the head coaching job, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz may now have a potential path back, with a pay raise to help ease tensions. On the surface, this seems logical: Schwartz has been effective for the defense, he is experienced, and his units have performed well. Keeping him might seem like the safe choice. However, this situation is not solely about safety; it’s about leadership, authority, and whether the Cleveland Browns are genuinely committed to changing habits that have failed in the past.
Schwartz has made a significant impact since he arrived in Cleveland. He has helped stabilize a defense that previously struggled with consistency, transforming it into one of the team’s most reliable units. His system is well-established, his résumé is impressive, and the results speak for themselves.
However, the way he responded to being passed over for the head coaching position is significant. Storming out, emptying his office, and making the conflict public projected a negative image. This was not a private disagreement resolved behind closed doors; it was a clear indication of misleading or misinterpreted expectations. Starting on this note with a new regime is far from ideal, to say the least.
If the Browns decide to welcome him back with an increased salary and no real accountability for his actions, many people may feel relieved, and maintaining continuity could be beneficial for the defense. However, there is an important aspect that needs to be addressed. If the Browns are going to be the organization that allows him to return after his public outburst, it is essential that new head coach Todd Monken takes charge of this situation.
Any possible Schwartz return must start and finish with Todd Monken.
If Schwartz is returning, it must be because of Monken’s decision alone—without influence from ownership or the front office. It should not be a result of internal politics, a fear of losing a valuable coordinator, or worries about public perception. Monken must make this decision solely based on his trust in the situation, and apart from Jimmy Haslam’s wishes to keep Schwartz.
This situation calls for a direct and honest face-to-face conversation between Monken and Schwartz, without intermediaries or outside pressure. If Monken doesn’t feel completely comfortable moving forward with Schwartz, then the answer should be no. Any other approach undermines him before he has even had the chance to coach a game.
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This is where the Browns’ recent history becomes relevant.
Under Kevin Stefanski’s leadership, the organization often blurred the lines between coaching authority, front office influence, and ownership involvement. While decisions were presented as collaborative, in practice, Kevin Stefanski frequently lacked the authority to make decisions that would typically fall under the head coach’s purview. He was not always the definitive voice in the organization and was at times compelled to make staffing changes in line with the direction of ownership and Andrew Berry. This was particularly evident when he adjusted his offensive staff to align with Deshaun Watson’s style of play. The situation is even clearer now, as Stefanski in Atlanta has rehired some of those who were forced out before 2024.
The outcomes were as expected: mixed messages, unclear accountability, internal conflicts, and a lack of unified direction. Over time, this erosion of authority negatively impacted the team. Reinstating Schwartz against Monken’s instincts would be repeating the same mistake, just in a different way. It would create another forced partnership based on convenience rather than trust, and such forced arrangements in NFL organizations seldom benefit the team.
The Browns have just hired a new head coach to set a new direction for the team. Everyone in the organization must understand who is in charge. Failing to establish clear leadership can create problems in the locker room and isn’t a good way to begin this new chapter. How quickly could the locker room divide if the Schwartz returns and the offense gets off to a slow start? Does the player loyalty on the defensive side of the ball and Schwartz’s presence fracture the locker room?
Monken must take all this into account and handle the situation carefully. He needs real, unquestioned authority on this matter, as it is his locker room moving forward.
There is a scenario where bringing Schwartz back makes sense. If Monken believes the relationship can be repaired, if expectations are clearly reset, if professional boundaries are re-established, and if accountability runs both ways, then moving forward together is reasonable. In that case, the past becomes a lesson rather than a lingering problem.
But if this reunion is being driven by pressure from others or even short-term convenience, then it is the wrong move. Short-term comfort is not worth long-term instability.
Jim Schwartz has been great for the Browns. His defensive work deserves respect. But leadership is not about rewarding past performance at any cost. It is about creating an environment where behavior matters, authority is clear, and standards apply to everyone.
This decision must belong to Todd Monken. If he wants Schwartz back, the organization should support him. If he does not, the organization must fully back him. Anything in between sends the wrong message and weakens him before he ever gets started. After everything this franchise has been through, they cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes with Monken that they did with Stefanski.
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I agree Brad. I'm thinking at this point it might just be easier to promote a guy like Tarver who's already in the building. Simply to keep scheme/philosophy similar. I'd hate for them to have to shake up the personnel on that side. We've seen guys like Bush, Campbell, and Hickman thrive in this system and might see a drop off if they stray too far away from what they've done well previously. They already have their work cut out for them in rebuilding the offense. Less headaches is my preference.
Agree Brad. I'm also pleased it's Monken dealing with this situation rather than one of the young guys we didn't take on. Do Schwartz and Monken have much 'history' that could influence things?