The Browns’ coaching search continues to accelerate, and another familiar name is officially entering the mix.
According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will interview on Thursday for the team’s vacant head coaching position. The development confirms that the organization is taking a serious look at candidates already inside the building as it works through a pivotal offseason.
“Breaking: #Browns DC Jim Schwartz will interview for their head coach job Thursday too,” Cabot wrote.
Breaking: #Browns DC Jim Schwartz will interview for their head coach job Thursday too.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 7, 2026
Schwartz has been one of the most respected figures on the Browns coaching staff since his arrival. Under his leadership, the defense has consistently been the foundation of the team, even during stretches when injuries and offensive inconsistency put the group in difficult situations. His aggressive scheme, clear communication, and demand for accountability have earned strong buy-in from players across the roster.
Several players have already gone on record expressing their respect for Schwartz and publicly endorsing him as a potential head coach. That matters in a locker room that has experienced constant turnover and instability over the past two seasons.
Promoting Schwartz could increase the likelihood of keeping key defensive assistants in place and maintaining a system that has consistently ranked among the league’s best when healthy. For a roster that features elite defensive talent, that continuity could be appealing.
However, the interview process does not guarantee anything. The Browns are expected to speak with multiple candidates, including offensive-minded coaches and experienced head coaches from outside the organization. Schwartz will need to demonstrate not only his defensive expertise, but also his vision for managing an entire team, hiring a staff, and developing a young quarterback if given the opportunity.
Still, the fact that Schwartz is receiving a formal interview suggests he is very much in the conversation.
With interviews scheduled and decisions looming, the Browns’ coaching search is clearly entering a critical phase. Whether Schwartz ultimately earns the job or not, his presence in the process underscores just how much the organization values what he has built on the defensive side of the ball.
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