Tennessee Titans Senior Defensive Assistant Jim Schwartz is the latest to land a job in the NFL coaching carousel.

Schwartz is being hired by the Cleveland Browns to be the team's defensive coordinator, according to a report by Tom Pelissero.

The #Browns are hiring Jim Schwartz as their defensive coordinator, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 17, 2023

Just finishing his 29th NFL season, Schwartz is one of the most experienced defensive minds in the league today. He has four years of head coaching experience with the Detroit Lions and 14 seasons as a defensive coordinator under his belt with the Philadelphia Eagles (2016-2020), Buffalo Bills (2014), and the Jeff Fisher led Tennessee Titans (2001-2008).

Since coming on staff under defensive coordinator Shane Bowen before the 2021 season, the Titans' defense has taken a big step forward from allowing 26.8 points per game in 2020.

In 2021, Tennessee had the 2nd best run defense in the NFL, surrendering only 84.6 rush yards per game and 1,438 for the season. That was second by just two yards to the Baltimore Ravens defense (1,436). Tennessee was also top 10 in both sacks and interceptions.

In 2022, the Titans repeated their dominance against the run. Tennessee's run defense was the best in the NFL, holding opponents to 76.9 rush yards per game. Even through injuries to a majority of the defensive starters,  Tennessee’s defense held opponents to 20 points or less in 11 different games in 2022, but went 6-5 in those games.

Their defensive consistency under Bowen and Schwartz has always helped keep the Titans competitive. Now with Schwartz landing his new job, a big question will be answered about the Titans future: Is Shane Bowen capable of leading this defense without Schwartz on his staff?

Many who questioned the Titans' promotion of Bowen to defensive coordinator two seasons ago have been hesitant to give him full credit for the defensive success. Anytime there is a coach on staff with the resume and reputation of Schwartz, it's easy to point to their impact as being the main catalyst of progress.

Fair or not, Bowen now has an opportunity to prove himself as one of the top defensive coordinators in the NFL and likely land on head coaching radars around the league if he continues succeeding with the Titans.

The next challenge for Bowen and Tennessee's defensive staff will be improving on their pass defense in 2023. The Titans best run defense was canceled out by having the worst pass defense in the NFL, leading to secondary coach Anthony Midget being let go by the team at the end of the season.

There's no reason to think Bowen won't be capable of running this defense without Schwartz by his side, but for those that still question Tennessee's DC, your questions will be answered.

Image via Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports