Todd Monken just received a large task early on as the Browns’ head coach, and it’s a crucial one even if expected
Todd Monken is about to face his first real test as the Cleveland Browns’ head coach.
When the Cleveland Browns made the decision to part ways with former NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski, there was one man who stood above the rest in terms of obvious replacements. That was defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who coached Cleveland to having one of the best defenses in the league during his time with the Browns.
Look no further than this week’s NFL Honors, where Myles Garrett won Defensive Player of the Year, and Carson Schwesinger won Rookie Defensive Player of the Year. Well, not only did the Browns not hire Schwartz to be their head coach, but they just lost him entirely.
Jim Schwartz resigns as the defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns
Now, for those plugged in to the rumor mill that is the NFL offseason, this comes as no surprise. Cleveland wanted to keep Schwartz on as their defensive coordinator, but it was obvious from the first time that Todd Monken spoke, that they would likely be looking for his replacement.
“We’re gonna keep the same system. … I didn’t take this job because of Jim Schwartz. … When I was preparing for the Cleveland Browns, I wasn’t trying to chip Jim Schwartz. I was chipping Myles Garrett,” said Moken in his introductury presser via the Browns YouTube channel.
So now, a little over a week after taking the job, Monken is tasked with his first true test. When you have All-Pro caliber players at all three levels of your defense, you can’t afford to miss on a hire. So who might that be? Here is Brandon Little of A to Z Sports Cleveland.
What comes next at defensive coordinator in Cleveland?
“The Browns have a big decision on who is going to be the next defensive coordinator after Schwartz’s decision. Even if the Browns aren’t a great team, mainly because of their offense, this is a very attractive opening. Cleveland boasts the best defense in the NFL over the last three years with Schwartz in place, and his system is very easy to translate. Cleveland wins with its defensive line creating chaos and manning up on the back end for the most part. Monken said in his opening press conference that he expects the system to be the same no matter who the defensive coordinator is.”
“With that being said, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Browns stayed in-house with a promotion. Safeties coach Ephraim Banda has to be the leader in the clubhouse for that opening after receiving coordinator interest from the outside the past two offseasons. Linebackers coach Jason Tarver is another name to keep an eye on for this opening that isn’t all that unexpected.” – Little
Cleveland Browns News
Jim Schwartz should have an even easier choice in front of him to stick with the Cleveland Browns following NFL Honors
Myles Garrett winning the Defensive Player of the Year award is even more reason for Jim Schwartz to return.
