4 possible candidates to be the next Browns’ defensive coordinator if Jim Schwartz doesn’t return under Todd Monken
A few potential names to know if the Browns and Jim Schwartz go in different directions.
The Cleveland Browns’ decision to hire former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as the next head coach was a surprise to everyone, including many inside the building.
Cleveland might lose its defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, due to the hiring process and ultimately the decision to make Monken the head coach.
If the Browns end up with an opening at defensive coordinator, it’ll be a coveted job with plenty of shiny toys. Here are a few potential names to know.
Cleveland Browns safeties coach Ephraim Banda
Banda has to be the No. 1 candidate for defensive coordinator from the current staff. He has had outside DC interest each of the last two years, including an interview with the Dallas Cowboys this cycle. Banda’s only NFL job has been with the Browns coaching safeties since 2023.
Grant Delpit’s rise and the development of undrafted rookie Ronnie Hickman Jr. have been good moments for Banda. The 44-year-old Texas native coached in college for 11 years before joining the Browns.
Cleveland Browns linebackers coach Jason Tarver
Tarver is one of the best assistants in Cleveland and should be someone Monken wants to retain. Tarver has been terrific at coaching linebackers in Cleveland since 2020. The Pro Bowl season from Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and the rookie year from Carson Schwesinger stand out for Tarver’s recent resume.
Devin Bush just had a career resurgence under Tarver as well. The 51-year-old assistant was the Raiders’ defensive coordinator for three seasons.
Former Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr
If Monken wants to go with what he knows, it may be the former Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Orr is just 33 years old and got his start as a defensive assistant with the Ravens in 2017.
Orr was the inside linebackers coach in 2022 and held that spot for two seasons before being elevated to DC the last two years. Baltimore ranked No. 18 in defense in 2025, allowing 23.4 points per game.
Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia
Patricia has multiple Super Bowl rings as an assistant with the New England Patriots and head-coaching experience from his time with the Detroit Lions. Even if his time as a head coach didn’t go well, Patricia is still one of the best defensive minds in the sport.
The Ohio State defensive coordinator had the top defense in the country in 2025, and Patrica helped his image in a big way. Cleveland should at least have a conversation here if nothing else.
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