When the Cleveland Browns fired HC Kevin Stefanski, they searched far and wide looking for his replacement. They also quickly interviewed DC Jim Schwartz for the position, and the long-time coordinator was among the team’s finalists. Many believed that the Browns planned to bring Schwartz back, almost no matter who they hired as head coach.
Maybe they forgot to clearly communicate that with Schwartz, or maybe Schwartz was never okay with that assumption, but Todd Monken now needs a new defensive coordinator.
During his introductory press conference, Monken made it clear that he planned to stick with the same defensive system even if Schwartz departed.
That decision may limit the options for Cleveland’s new defensive coordinator but there are still candidates who fit the bill or who could work:
- LB coach Jason Tarver
Tarver has helped build solid-to-great linebacker groups for the Browns over the last six seasons. A veteran coach with over 20 years of experience, Tarver spent three seasons as a defensive coordinator for the Raiders from 2012 to 2014.
- Safeties coach Ephraim Banda
In his third year in Cleveland and third year in the NFL, Banda is an up-and-coming coach. He was noted a few weeks ago, while the head coach search was still in process, as a backup plan if Schwartz departed. Banda also interviewed for the Cowboys and Jets defensive coordinator positions this offseason. He spent time as a defensive coordinator at the college level with Utah State and at the University of Miami before jumping to the Browns
- Texans DB coach Dino Vasso and defensive pass game coordinator Cory Undlin
Coaching under Matt Burke, a disciple of Schwartz’s, Vasso was noted as a possible option by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, while Undlin was mentioned by both MMQB’s Albert Breer and Rapoport. Vasso has spent the last three years in Houston after years with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Vasso does not have experience as a defensive coordinator.
Undlin also just completed his third year with the Texans. Prior to that, he coached with the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles (with Vasso), Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots. Undlin also spent four years with the Browns in a variety of roles from 2005 to 2008, finishing as the team’s defensive backs coach. Undline was the Lions defensive coordinator for one season.
- Former Patriots HC Jerod Mayo
A out of left field candidate is Mayo. Cleveland interviewed Mayo for their defensive coordinator position, which ultimately went to Schwartz. Prior to his one failed season as New England’s head coach, Mayo was seen as an up-and-coming coach in the NFL and could look at the Browns defense as a way to return to that level of reputation as a coach. Mayo’s system has some flexibility to it, similar to how Monken sees offense, but he does not have history under Schwartz.
The talent on Cleveland’s roster should draw a lot of coaches with interest in taking over for Schwarz. Monken’s (probably intelligent) insistence on keeping the same system might limit the pool of candidates the Browns interview for the job, but the team should have plenty of options.
Who do you think should be the next Browns defensive coordinator? Do you think any of the five listed above would be a good fit?
Share in our comment section below your favorite option to lead Monken’s staff on the defensive side of the ball
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
- New, improved notifications system!
