Where will Jim Schwartz coach next?

By: Jake Rajala

It’s official: the Browns are passing on Jim Schwartz and picking Todd Munken as their next head coach. Schwartz is furious and it’s been reported by The New York Post that he “wants out”. With that said, I’m going to unfold the best landing spots for him. These aren’t “head coach” openings, too.

After the Browns informed DC Jim Schwartz this morning they were passing him over to hire Todd Monken as head coach, Schwartz was visibly upset, said goodbyes in the building and told other coaches he’s not coming back, sources tell The Insiders.

Schwartz is under contract and… pic.twitter.com/GBEct9BRPB

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2026

San Francisco 49ers

Robert Saleh is out as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. As reported by 49ers Wire, he is a “dream candidate” for the 49ers. Mike Masala of 49ers Wire noted that Schwartz and Saleh run a similar scheme, so it won’t be too big of an adjustment. The 49ers defense was dead last in sacks last season. Meanwhile, the Browns defense was third in sacks last season.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are looking hard for their next defensive coordinator. Bobby Babich is out. The Bills retained Joe Brady. Hence, I expect the Bills offense to be firing on all cylinders. On defense, they ranked 12th in PPG allowed last season, and eighth in YPG allowed. In other words, Schwartz needs to have sleepless nights in order to just have them retain their 2025 level of play.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Schwartz may love the dark outlook in Tampa. Makes sense? Well sort of. If the Bucs stay on their path, I expect the Bucs to move on from Todd Bowles. This will allow Schwartz to be their interim HC and prove his worth. I believe the Saints and Falcons are the two best teams in the division. They may need to do a HC change and get new energy in the building.

THIS IS TODD BOWLES.

THIS IS WHO HE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE. pic.twitter.com/nh5nxgSZaV

— Brutal (@BrutalAsBucs) December 12, 2025

Los Angeles Chargers

We all know Jesse Minter is out as the Chargers defensive coordinator. The Chargers could have the dream team of coaches. They have Jim Harbaugh and then they went to reel in Mike McDaniel as OC. I’d love to see Schwartz run the defense and utilize Khalil Mack and Derwin James to their fullest capability.

Schwartz once brought a lousy Detroit Lions squad to the playoffs as a head coach. He knows how to lead a team. He is aggressive, creative, and persistent, when it comes to running a defense. Assuming he doesn’t stay in Cleveland, I believe he will join a Super Bowl contender with room to coach on defense.