CLEVE-LAND – The Cleveland Browns are hiring former Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz as their defensive coordinator, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Schwartz, who spent the last two seasons as a defensive adviser at Tennessee, was one of four candidates to meet with the Browns. He previously worked with Brown’s General Manager Andrew Berry in Cleveland.
Cleveland’s search for a coordinator began last week when coach Kevin Stefanski fired Joe Woods after three seasons that ended in 2022 with a disappointing 7-10 mark.
Schwartz, 56, began his NFL career as a scout with Cleveland in the 1990s. He will take over the Browns’ defense once he signs his contract, according to the person who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity as it has not yet done so.
Schwartz previously worked as a coordinator with the Titans, Bills and Eagles. He won a Super Bowl in 2017 while leading Philadelphia’s defense.
One of Schwartz’s top priorities will be repairing Cleveland’s running defense. The Browns allowed 135 yards per game.
In 2009, Schwartz inherited a 0-16 Lions team. He went 29-51 in five seasons and led Detroit to the playoffs in his third year.
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