Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has earned consideration to replace Kevin Stefanski.
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz watches another loss, this time to the New England Patriots in the second half of play.BEREA, Ohio -- Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has earned “the right for consideration” as Kevin Stefanski’s replacement, GM Andrew Berry said Monday, and has received ringing endorsements from his players.
But the Browns will conduct a thorough search for their 19th full-time head coach beginning Monday afternoon, and they’ll be open-minded about their pool of candidates. He or she can be from either side of the ball, and can be young, old or anything in between. Here are some of the possible head coaching candidates in this cycle, with a number of them sure to be interviewed by the Browns: Kevin Stefanski’s Browns coaching legacy by the numbers: Fourth-down aggressiveness, challenged plays, pointsSchwartz presides over the NFL’s No. 4 defense, and one of the most dominant units this team has ever seen. He also has head coaching experience, having guided the Lions from 2009-13, with a 29-51 record in that span. Schwartz re-iterated recently that he’d like to be a head coach again someday, and Browns players such as Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit all endorse him. . Schwartz has also been a coordinator with the Titans, Bills, and Eagles, winning Super Bowl LII with Philadelphia. Known for building strong fronts and linebacker play, he earned AP Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2023.Rees just finished his first season as offensive coordinator of the Browns, and called plays for the last nine games of the season. Rees is described by some as an offensive savant, and has the full backing of his former Alabama boss, Nick Saban. The Browns probably want a more experienced head coach, but they would also like to retain Rees if possible. If Schwartz gets the nod, Rees would have a chance to stay on as offensive coordinator.With Schwartz coaching the defense, the Browns might benefit from an offensive-minded head coach. Brady is a rising star in the league, having served as offensive coordinator for the Panthers and being named Bill full-time OC in January 2024. Josh Allen has flourished under his guidance, earning NFL MVP honors last year. He’s viewed as a young, creative offensive mind with strong QB development credentials, which is what the Browns need, either for Shedeur Sanders or a rookie QB.Saleh interviewed for the Browns head coaching vacancy in 2020 that went to Stefanski, so the Browns know him well — and like him. A defensive-minded head coach, he runs a 4-3 so there’d be some continuity. He also has previous head coaching experience with the Jets from 2021-2024, and that’s a plus, even though he went 20-36 because of quarterback problems. He’s worked closely with Kyle Shanahan and other premier coaches in the league, and has tremendous leadership skills.Flores interviewed for the Browns defensive coordinator job in 2023 when it went to Schwartz, but the Browns really liked him. Flores runs a 3-4 defense, which doesn’t fit Myles Garrett, but the Browns are putting leadership and culture fit ahead of scheme. He was head coach of the Dolphins , and had a senior defensive role with the Steelers. Flores’s defenses are known for discipline, creativity, and physical play.Nagy plays a key role in one of the league’s most potent offenses, and he’s a longtime disciple of Andy Reid. He’s also the former head coach of the Bears, where he earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2018. After four seasons in Chicago, Nagy returned to Kansas City, helping the Chiefs to continued success and contributing to multiple Super Bowl runs under Reid. His blend of offensive acumen and experience as both a head coach and coordinator makes him one of the more intriguing coaching figures in the NFL landscape.McCarthy has, by far, the most head coach experience on the list, having coached the Packers from 2006-18, and the Cowboys from 2020-24. He won a Super Bowl with the Packers, and has an extensive offensive play-calling background. He brings structure, leadership, and institutional knowledge to any staff.Shula, a Miami alum, is a former defensive coordinator at John Carroll. He’s spent most of his pro career with Sean McVay, winning a Super Bowl ring with him. Championship experience is always a huge plus. He’s the grandson of late Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, and son of former Bengals coach Dave Shula.The Chargers’ coordinator since 2004, he was a defensive assistant for the Ravens from 2017-20 and knows the AFC North well. He’s a scheme-versatile coordinator with disciplined approach and strong teaching background. Emphasizes adaptability and situational defense. Viewed as a rising defensive mind with long-term upside.Gannon was fired on Monday, same day as his good friend Stefanski. A Cleveland native, Gannon was a multi-sport star at Saint Ignatius High School. Before being hired by the Cardinals, he helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl LVII appearance as defensive coordinator. Gannon’s coaching career includes stops as an assistant with the Falcons, Titans, Vikings, and Colts. He went 15-36 as Cardinals coach.Mary Kay Cabot has more than 30 years experience covering the Cleveland Browns for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com, and became only the second female in Pro Football Hall of Fame history to win the Bill Nunn...
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