As the search intensifies for a new defensive coordinator in Las Vegas, one name continues to reverberate through league circles: Jim Schwartz.
Even after his shock resignation from the Cleveland Browns, Schwartz has not been dismissed by everyone as a possibility for the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive vacancy. But there are multiple hurdles and complications standing in the way of a straightforward hiring.
Schwartz‘s departure from Cleveland was abrupt, and many around the NFL are still trying to understand what it ultimately means for his coaching future.
He helped shape a disciplined and aggressive defense during his time with the Browns, and that performance – combined with his long reputation as a defensive thinker – makes him an attractive target for teams looking to reset their defensive identity.
Yet the Browns maintain his contract through the 2026 season, with a team option for 2027, creating contractual complexities that cannot be ignored.
The drama around Schwartz’s resignation stems from Cleveland’s head coaching decision. Schwartz was among the finalists for the role and believed strongly – along with several around him – that he would be chosen.
When the franchise instead opted to hire former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as its new leader, Schwartz abruptly resigned in protest. Sources indicate that he felt overlooked and frustrated, and once the decision was made, he walked away from the position.
Still, more than a week after his resignation, the rumor linking Schwartz to the Raiders refuses to dissipate. In fact, discussions continue about how Las Vegas could bring him in despite his existing contractual ties to Cleveland. Because assistant coaches cannot be traded outright, the process isn’t as simple as agreeing to terms and announcing a hire.
Complex path to Las Vegas
One possibility that has been floated is that compensation for Schwartz‘s rights could be embedded within a broader trade between the Browns and Raiders. If the teams were already negotiating over another player or draft assets, the discussion could be expanded to include terms related to Schwartz‘s release.
While unconventional, the NFL has seen creative front office deals before, and this could be one of those instances where ingenuity becomes necessary.
There’s also a more dramatic, almost sitcom-style option on the table. Schwartz could attempt something akin to the classic “quit-and-return” maneuver.
If the Browns hire a defensive coordinator, Schwartz could announce that he’s had a change of heart and wants to come back. That would leave Cleveland in a difficult position: reinstate him, cut him loose, or risk league intervention by trying to do neither.
Whether any of these outcomes comes to pass remains uncertain. What appears clear, however, is that both the Raiders and Schwartz have mutual interest.
Las Vegas is actively seeking an experienced defensive voice with a track record of success, and Schwartz fits that profile. Likewise, several league sources believe Schwartz is intrigued by the opportunity in Las Vegas, a franchise in transition but with defensive needs that match his expertise.
Until Cleveland finalizes its coach staffing and clarifies Schwartz‘s status, this storyline will remain one of the most intriguing subplots of the NFL offseason.
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