BEREA, Ohio (WKBN) – The Cleveland Browns have hired former Detroit Lions’ head coach Jim Schwartz as the team’s new defensive coordinator.
In a press release Wednesday, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said, “Jim has seen defensive success at each of his coaching stops because he knows how to get the best out of his players and will match scheme to suit strengths. Jim is a passionate leader who believes in teaching fundamentals. We’re excited about the vast experience he brings to our staff to meet the demands it takes to consistently defend the varying offenses in the AFC North and across the National Football League.”
Schwartz replaces Joe Woods who was fired last week. Schwartz has extensive experience leading defenses across the NFL. He has served as defensive coordinator with the Titans (2001-2008), Bills (2014) and Eagles (2016-2020). He won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in the 2017-2018 season.
The 56-year-old has 29 years of coaching experience, including four in the college ranks.
Schwartz served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009-13, posting a record of 29-51. He led the Lions to a playoff berth in 2011, which ended an 11-year playoff drought.
For the last two seasons, he has worked with the Tennessee Titans as a defensive assistant.
Schwartz started his professional career with the Browns in 1993 as a personnel scout under Bill Belichick.
