The Cleveland Browns are urgently searching for a new defensive coordinator following Jim Schwartz’s resignation yesterday. This move places pressure on the team to swiftly identify a successor as they prepare for critical offseason personnel decisions, with the Cleveland Browns coaching changes becoming a central focus.
Internal Candidates Considered in Defensive Coordinator Vacancy
With Schwartz stepping away, the Browns are expected to explore internal options to fill the defensive coordinator role. Both defensive backs coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jason Tarver have experience at college and NFL levels that could qualify them for promotion. Banda interviewed for defensive coordinator positions in the current hiring cycle, while Tarver has been credited with revitalizing linebacker Devin Bush’s performance.
Outside Names on the Browns’ Defensive Coordinator Shortlist
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network identified Dino Vasso and Cory Undlin as external candidates worth considering. Both currently work with Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke, who is a former protege of Jim Schwartz. Burke, who developed a formidable defense in Houston, spent significant time early in his coaching career under Schwartz with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles. This connection suggests potential continuity in defensive philosophy if the Browns secure help from Burke’s staff.
Fred Greetham noted Undlin’s prior ties to the Browns, having served as an assistant coach from 2005 to 2008. Additionally, Undlin worked with Jacksonville Jaguars’ coach Todd Monken in 2009 and 2010, further highlighting his extensive NFL coaching background. Such connections make Undlin a likely interview candidate for the Browns’ defensive coordinator role.
Range of Possible Candidates Narrowed Down
The leading group likely includes Jason Tarver, Ephraim Banda, Cory Undlin, and Dino Vasso. Efforts continue to evaluate these candidates more closely, though the Browns face restrictions in attempting to recruit Matt Burke from Houston, as the Texans can deny interviews for comparable lateral positions. This limits the Browns’ access to the promising coordinator overseeing Houston’s defense.
Myles Garrett Remains a Key Figure Amid Coaching Shift
Amid coaching changes, the Browns show strong commitment to defensive end Myles Garrett, who recently earned his second Defensive Player of the Year award unanimously. Despite conjecture and sensational headlines suggesting Garrett might be traded following Schwartz’s exit, there are no current indications of any trade offers due to salary cap and team strategy considerations. The Browns’ priority remains retaining their star defensive talent.
Additional News and Perspectives from the Browns Community
Outside the coaching carousel, other news surrounds the Browns and their affiliates. Deion Sanders dismissed rumors about an NFL coaching pursuit, emphasizing the challenges of his son’s rookie year. Emmitt Smith publicly shared his views on the Browns’ quarterback situation, drawing attention beyond his popular dancing reputation. Mary Kay Cabot confirmed the Browns have no intention of trading Schwartz, quelling speculation.
Separately, investigations into a robbery at Shedeur Sanders’ residence have implicated a fourth suspect, intensifying ongoing inquiries. Meanwhile, figures like JOK continue to make cultural impressions within the team’s circle, and new Browns hires have received praise from Jameis Winston, highlighting positive organizational momentum.
The Importance of Defensive Leadership for Future Browns Success
Replacing Jim Schwartz represents a pivotal challenge for the Cleveland Browns as they prepare for the upcoming season and offseason adjustments. Defensive coordination will heavily impact the team’s ability to compete at a high level, especially in protecting and maximizing elite players such as Myles Garrett. Choosing a leader who can sustain or elevate the defense’s effectiveness will have lasting effects on the Browns’ trajectory in the NFL.
Whether the Browns select from proven internal staff members like Tarver or Banda or attempt to bring in experienced assistants like Undlin or Vasso, the decision will influence the coaching staff’s cohesion and defensive strategy moving forward. The urgency to fill this critical vacancy reflects the broader pressures on Cleveland’s organization to balance stability and growth amid ongoing roster and coaching reforms.
If the Browns wanted to look internally for their new DC, LB coach Jason Tarver and safeties coach Ephraim Banda both have DC experience.
Tarver was DC for the Raiders (2012-14) and Vanderbilt (2018-19).
Banda was co-DC at Miami (2019-20) and Utah State (2021-22).
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) February 6, 2026
With hopes of keeping the system together for their talented group, the #Browns may look to a couple of assistants on the staff of Jim Schwartz disciple Matt Burke — Dino Vasso and Cory Undlin. https://t.co/pt9i2zoweU
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 6, 2026
Cory Undlin was an assistant coach with the #Browns from 2005-2008 https://t.co/Lpwy3cBlfN
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) February 7, 2026
With Browns DC Jim Schwartz now out, as we said last week, Texans PGC Cory Undlin becomes a key name to watch. Undlin was with Todd Monken in Jacksonville in 2009 and 2010.
Will be interesting to see if the Raiders pursue Schwartz next week.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 6, 2026
Deion Sanders says his son’s rough rookie year in Cleveland killed his NFL coaching vibe — and fans aren’t exactly shocked.https://t.co/CAL0KgDqZe
— The Shadow League (@ShadowLeague) February 7, 2026
Btw, got it confirmed from the #NFL office that a coordinator can't be traded.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) February 6, 2026
DeKalb County SWAT arrested Carlos DeAnthony Morris, the fourth suspect in the $200K burglary of Browns QB Shedeur Sanders' Ohio home. https://t.co/WfWthR4sMg
— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) February 7, 2026
A Ghanaian-American Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, a National Football League player for the Cleveland Browns, wearing arriving at a game in Ghana’s fugu. pic.twitter.com/LxggaZ7Frz
— Zoom Afrika (@zoomafrika1) February 7, 2026
Danny Breyer is NEXT. Elite worker, world class mind and incredible relationships with players. Love you Danny I am so proud of you and your determination! https://t.co/pOMva8ITh9
— Jameis Winston (@Jaboowins) February 4, 2026
