Monken’s selection came over a final trio that included Nate Scheelhaase and current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. With Monken chosen, Schwartz was not named the head coach, and reports indicated he told colleagues in the building he planned to leave the organization.
Myles Garrett reacted publicly to the news with a cryptic Instagram post, a reflection some saw as frustration over the franchise’s decision. Garrett, who finished the season with a franchise-record 23 sacks along with 60 tackles and 3 forced fumbles, signed a four-year, $160 million contract with the Browns last offseason.
Garrett has publicly praised Schwartz in the past, calling him someone players loved working with and noting the defense’s regimented, efficient approach under Schwartz. While Garrett acknowledged uncertainties about what a Schwartz-led team would look like at the helm, he made clear his positive view of playing for him.
Following the coaching decision, reporting indicated Schwartz was informed he would not be the head coach and would not be returning to Cleveland. Tom Pelissero, via The Insiders, reported Schwartz’s departure was met with visible disappointment as he said his goodbyes, leaving his future—whether as a defensive coordinator in the league—unclear and potentially in high demand.
The decision closes a lengthy Browns search and introduces a new era with Monken’s offense as the foundation. The franchise now faces continued questions about Schwartz’s next steps and how Garrett and the rest of the roster will adapt under Monken’s leadership.
