Browns DC Jim Schwartz Resigns
FEBRUARY 7: Monken contacted Schwartz three days after his hire, attempting to arrange a partnership between the two. As The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes (subscription required), Schwartz “was not enthused” with the timing of the communication, something which further explains his resignation decision. ESPN’s Dan Graziano confirms Schwartz is likely to spend the 2026 season out of coaching before resurfacing elsewhere.
FEBRUARY 6: Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was a finalist to become their head coach, but the job ultimately went to Todd Monken on Jan. 28. Schwartz made it clear afterward that he wanted to leave Cleveland, and he’ll do just that a little over a week later. Schwartz has resigned, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network was among those to report.
In announcing Schwartz’s departure, the Browns stated: “Yesterday, Jim Schwartz submitted his letter of resignation as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. We’d like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons. Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.”
The Browns tried to retain Schwartz as their defensive leader for a fourth season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Although they were unable to do it, they continue to hold his rights, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes. The 59-year-old is not expected to coach anywhere in 2026, per Garafolo. He stepped down with two years left on his contract.
Schwartz was the Lions’ head coach from 2009-13, but he hasn’t gotten another shot since he guided the team to a 29-51 record and one playoff berth in five seasons. While his time in Detroit didn’t go well, Schwartz was a top-tier defensive coordinator with the Titans from 2001-08. He has thrived in that role with the Bills (2014), Eagles (2016-20) and Browns (2023-25) since the Lions let him go. Schwartz won Super Bowl LII in Philadelphia.
After returning to Tennesee as a senior defensive assistant from 2021-22, now-former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski brought him in to replace Joe Woods as their D-coordinator. The Browns earned their most recent playoff berth in Schwartz’s first season, and his defense was a major contributor. The unit topped the league in total defense and ranked 13th in points allowed. Schwartz subsequently picked up AP Assistant Coach of the Year honors.
The Browns’ win total plummeted from 11 to three in 2024, during which their defense submitted below-average marks in yards (19th) and points (27th). Although the Browns struggled again during a 12-loss campaign this past season, Schwartz’s group did its best to make up for a bottom-of-the-barrel offense.
Cleveland’s defense rebounded to finish fourth in yards and 14th in scoring in 2025. End Myles Garrett set the all-time single-season sack record (23) en route to unanimous Defensive Player of the Year honors. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger also took home hardware on Thursday, the day Schwartz tendered his resignation. Schwesinger was voted the unanimous Defensive Rookie of the Year after piling up 156 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions in 16 games.
Despite the success Garrett, Schwesinger and the rest of the Browns’ defense enjoyed under Schwartz, it wasn’t enough to earn a promotion. The Browns are higher on the offensive-minded Monken after his terrific three-year run as the Ravens’ play-caller. Monken, who emerged as the “strong No. 1 choice” in the Browns’ HC search, now faces the unenviable task of replacing Schwartz.
During his introductory press conference on Tuesday, Monken expressed a desire to continue with the same defensive system in the event of Schwartz’s exit. With that in mind, Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso and defensive pass game coordinator Cory Undlin are names to watch for the Browns, Rapoport relays.
Vasso and Undlin serve under Texans DC Matt Burke, a Schwartz disciple who worked with him in Detroit and Philadelphia. Schwartz also had Vasso and Undlin on his staff with the Eagles, and now either could end up replacing him in Cleveland in the coming days. Undlin is familiar with the organization, having worked as a Browns assistant from 2005-08.
2026 NFL Offseason Outlook Series
Pro Football Rumors is breaking down how all 32 teams’ offseason blueprints are shaping up. Going forward, the Offseason Outlook series is exclusive to Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers, and that link provides details on how to sign up for an annual membership.
This post will be updated as more Outlooks are published.
AFC East
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
AFC North
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
AFC West
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
NFC East
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
NFC North
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
NFC South
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
Texans Add Brandon Codrington To Offseason Roster
The Texans have added a former All-Rookie Team member to their offseason roster. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, the Texans have signed returner Brandon Codrington to a reserve/futures contract.
Codrington brings a bit more intrigue than your standard reserve/futures contract, and that’s mostly thanks to the 25-year-old’s special teams ability. The North Carolina Central product first stood out as a member of the Jets during the 2024 preseason, when he returned a kickoff for 63 yards and a punt for 31 yards.
He was later traded to Buffalo, where he proceeded to have a productive rookie campaign. He ultimately finished that 2024 season having returned 11 kickoffs for 306 yards and 27 punts for 313 yards. He was limited to only four games in 2025 but still garnered even more looks in the kickoff game, where he had 14 returns for 375 yards.
Codrington also got a bit of run on defense, where he served as a wide corner and a slot corner. He ultimately compiled nine tackles and one pass defended while appearing in 79 total defensive snaps.
While he’d likely have an uphill battle to contribute defensively in Houston, Codrington could compete for a returner role. Rookie third-round pick Jaylin Noel served as the primary kick and punt returner in 2025, but he could see reduced snaps in 2026 if his offensive responsibility increases. If that’s the case, Codrington could find himself competing with the likes of Tremon Smith and the returning Tank Dell for any leftover ST snaps.
Cardinals To Interview Texans DBs Coach Dino Vasso For DC Job
The Cardinals submitted a request to interview Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso for their defensive coordinator vacancy, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Vasso, 38, has spent the last five years in Houston, starting as the cornerbacks coach in 2021 before moving into his current role in 2024. He has been instrumental in the development of the Texans’ starting secondary – safeties Jalen Pitre and Calen Bullock and cornerbacks Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter – who were all drafted during his tenure. In each of the last two years, Houston has ranked sixth against the pass and recorded 19 interceptions. Their two-season total of 38 picks leads the league.
Vasso began his NFL coaching career as an assistant with the Chiefs in 2013. He then served as the Eagles’ assistant secondary coach (2016-2019) and assistant defensive coordinator (2020), missing ex-Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon by a year. Instead, Jim Schwartz was Vasso’s defensive coordinator in Philadelphia, where he also worked with now-Texans DC Matt Burke for the first time.
The Cardinals have a slew of young defensive backs who could benefit from time under Vasso; among them are cornerbacks Will Johnson, Max Melton, and Denzel Burke and safeties Kitan Crawford and Dadrion Taylor-Demerson to Their linebacker and defensive line rooms are older and more proven, so hiring a coach with secondary expertise could get the most out of the entire defense.
With an offensive-minded head coach in Mike LaFleur, the Cardinals may want to find a DC who can install and call his own defense right away. At the same time, the current roster is nowhere near contention, so a first-time play-caller could be afforded more patience in Arizona relative to a more win-now situation.
The Cardinals’ other coordinator spot is already set with the surprising hire of Nathaniel Hackett. It was unclear at the time if Arizona was in compliance with the Rooney Rule, but they did interview Commanders quarterbacks coach D.J. Williams for the job, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Offseason Outlook: Houston Texans
Reaching the divisional round for the third straight season, the DeMeco Ryans-era Texans assembled one of the best defenses to come through the NFL in many years. Houston's defense stampeded to a No. 1 ranking in yards and EPA per play in Ryans' third year. That unit arguably made this the best team in Texans history, as the 12-4 2012 operation may be its only competition. But a concerning conclusion to C.J. Stroud's third season impeded Ryans' troops.
Stroud becoming a turnover machine in the playoffs prevented the Texans from competing closely with a Patriots team that accomplished little on offense in Round 2. While the Texans have struggled to give their franchise quarterback a solid offensive line, Stroud's regression from a standout rookie season has become a front-burner issue. And this offseason represents the first window to decide on Stroud extension value. Suddenly, there are questions about where this process will go.
Coaching/front office:
- Team to retain OC Nick Caley; staff changes in play
- DC Matt Burke interviewed for Cardinals' HC position
Bobby Slowik has since returned to the OC tier, being promoted by the Dolphins over the weekend despite Miami hiring a new head coach. The Texans canned Slowik after Stroud's sophomore step back. Rumblings about the team firing Caley did not produce another change, but Ryans effectively called out his OC shortly after the New England loss. One of many ex-Sean McVay staffers to move up the ladder, Caley will enter the 2026 season on the hot seat.
Ladell Betts, Tyke Tolbert Among Those Joining Dolphins’ Staff
A former NFL running back, Ladell Betts made his debut coaching in the league last season. The Giants employed the former Washington cog as its RBs coach in 2025, but he is heading to Florida.
The Dolphins will hire Betts for the same role, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets. Betts is among Jeff Hafley‘s new hires. Veteran wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert will be Miami’s new wideouts coach, per NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe. Zach Yenser is coming over from the Texans to be the Dolphins’ new offensive line coach, per the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson. KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson linked Yenser to Miami previously, and he adds the team is hiring Ryan Downard from the Packers as DBs coach.
Prior to Betts’ New York arrival, he coached RBs at his alma mater — Iowa — for four seasons. Betts, 46, spent the previous seven seasons coaching at the high school level. Betts was Clinton Portis‘ top backup for much of his Washington tenure, which lasted from 2002-09. He finished his career with the Saints in 2010.
Tolbert, 58, has been coaching wideouts in the NFL since 2003. He comes over after a two-year stint as Titans WRs coach. This will be Tolbert’s eighth gig coaching wideouts in the pros. Prior to the Titans, Tolbert coached Cardinals, Bills, Panthers, Broncos, Giants and Bears receivers from 2003-23. He has not previously worked with either Hafley or OC Bobby Slowik. Tolbert earned a Super Bowl ring while in Denver.
Hafley will bring Downard with him from Green Bay. Downard, 37, has ties to both Hafley and GM Jon-Eric Sullivan. The Packers had kept Downard on their staff through the Mike Pettine, Joe Barry and Hafley DC tenures. He oversaw Xavier McKinney‘s first-team All-Pro season in Hafley’s debut and helped Evan Williams prosper early as a fourth-round pick. Downard will also serve as Dolphins defensive pass-game coordinator, per ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky.
Yenser worked under Slowik in Houston, and he spent the past two seasons as the Texans’ assistant O-line coach. He had served as Kentucky’s O-line coach under Liam Coen in 2023. This will mark Yenser’s first shot at being an NFL O-line coach. Yenser also worked with Slowik in San Francsico.
Additionally, Wilson notes Sullivan is expected to bring at least one Packers scout with him immediately. The Dolphins are expected to hire Green Bay staffer Venzell Boulware. The former college lineman spent his final collegiate season (2018) at the University of Miami.
Falcons Set Up Second GM Interviews With Ian Cunningham, James Liipfert
The Falcons are getting closer to hiring a general manager to replace the ousted Terry Fontenot. Falcons president of football Matt Ryan said the team has “some” in-person interviews coming up (via Josh Kendall of The Athletic). They’ve identified at least a couple of finalists.
Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham will meet with the Falcons for a second interview this week, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN relays. Texans assistant GM James Liipfert, a Georgia native, also remains in the running after an impressive initial interview, according to Albert Breer of SI.com. Both Cunningham and Liipfert will interview on Thursday, per Breer.
Cunningham, reportedly the favorite to become the Falcons’ GM, interviewed for their newly created president of football position before it went to Ryan. The 40-year-old has a connection to Ryan in Bears GM Ryan Poles, who was one of Ryan’s teammates at Boston College.
Cunningham, formerly with the Ravens and Eagles, has worked under Poles in Chicago since 2022. He has interviewed elsewhere for several promotions since then, including the Commanders’ president of football operations gig in January 2024. Cunningham was a finalist for that opening, but the Commanders hired Adam Peters instead. Two years later, Cunningham may head to Atlanta in a prominent position.
Liipfert, a former Georgia Tech linebacker, spent nine years in a scouting capacity with the Patriots before the Texans hired him as their director of college scouting in 2019. He has since climbed up the front office ranks in Houston, which promoted him to assistant director of personnel and then executive director of player personnel before moving him to assistant GM last June. Liipfert has a long history with Texans executive vice president/GM Nick Caserio, as the two previously worked together in New England.
“He’s earned his opportunity, so credit to him,” Caserio said of Liipfert (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2). “Whatever the Falcons decide to do, but hopefully he’s here helping the Texans. He’s fortunate to have the opportunity and I’m sure he’ll do a good job with it. Happy for James and see how it goes.”
It’s unknown if the Falcons will conduct second interviews with other candidates, but here’s a look at the other names they’ve considered:
- Mike Bradway, assistant general manager (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/23
- Joe Douglas, senior personnel director (Eagles): Interviewed 1/23
- Andy Weidl, assistant general manager (Steelers): Interviewed 1/22
- Josh Williams, director of scouting and football operations (49ers): Interviewed 1/23
Texans Interested In Retaining OL Ed Ingram
The Texans are expected to make offensive line a priority this offseason, and their efforts could start with re-signing one of their own. GM Nick Caserio told reporters (including Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston) that he expects to have talks with impending free agent lineman Ed Ingram.
A former second-round pick by the Vikings, Ingram was dealt to the Texans for a sixth-round pick last offseason. After serving as a rotational lineman during his final season in Minnesota, he returned to a full-time starter role during the 2025 campaign. He graded out as a middling lineman throughout his tenure with the Vikings, but Ingram finished this season 12th among 80 qualifying guards on Pro Football Focus’ positional rankings.
Considering his lack of track record, Ingram may be behind the likes of guards Isaac Seumalo, David Edwards, Alijah Vera-Tucker in the free agent hierarchy. Still, considering the need for capable linemen, Ingram should expect a significant contract this offseason.
While the Texans may be preparing a run to retain Ingram, they could also look outside the organization for OL help. Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports writes that the team is expected to make a run at center Cade Mays. The former sixth-round pick has spent the majority of his career with the Panthers, starting 27 of his 52 appearances. PFF ranked him 24th among 37 qualifiers for his performance in 2025.
While the Texans offensive line struggled earlier in the 2025 campaign, they found their footing during the final chunk of the regular season. After taking 90 sacks through his first two NFL seasons, quarterback C.J. Stroud finished this past season with only 23 sacks in 14 games.
Eagles Conduct Frank Smith OC Interview; Team To Meet With Jerrod Johnson
The list of candidates for the Eagles’ offensive coordinator position has continued to grow. Two new Philadelphia targets have emerged for the role. 
The team has conducted an interview with Frank Smith for the OC gig, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Smith worked as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator during head coach Mike McDaniel‘s tenure in Miami. Jeff Hafley is now in place, though, and he elected to promote Bobby Slowik to the OC role. That move confirmed Smith will be heading elsewhere during the 2026 hiring cycle.
The Eagles have primarily focused on candidates who have called plays before at the NFL level. McDaniel was Miami’s play-caller on offense, making this interview a deviation from Philadelphia’s targets to date. Smith, 44, has experience as an offensive line coach at the college and NFL levels, and he was a tights coach with two teams from 2015-20.
Philadelphia is also set to interview Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, per Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Johnson received an interview request from the Dolphins prior to their decision to promote Slowik to OC. A hire on this front would represent a reunion. Johnson and Nick Sirianni worked together in 2020 as members of the Colts’ staff. Johnson remained in Indianapolis one more year, then worked with the Vikings for one season. Since 2023, the 37-year-old has been Houston’s QBs coach.
While Smith and Johnson are new names to watch regarding the Eagles, one OC candidate is no longer in the running. Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has withdrawn from Philadelphia’s search, Russini reports. Doyle’s first coordinator opportunity came about last winter when he joined Ben Johnson‘s staff. Johnson called plays on offense in 2025, and that will no doubt continue moving forward. Doyle received an interview request from the Eagles (the only team which reached out so far), but he will instead remain in Chicago.
In other Eagles OC news, Russini reports LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. spoke with Philadelphia about the position. Weiss has also withdrawn from consideration, electing instead to remain in place on Lane Kiffin‘s staff. No other current college staffers have received any known interest from the Eagles to date.
Via PFR’s Coordinator Search Tracker, here is an updated look at where Philadelphia’s search stands:
- Klayton Adams, offensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interview request blocked
- Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator (Colts): Interview requested
- Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/20
- Declan Doyle, offensive coordinator (Bears): Interview requested; withdrew from search
- Josh Grizzard, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): To interview
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): To interview
- Mike Kafka, former interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/17
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): To interview
- Matt Nagy, former offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/21
- Zac Robinson, offensive coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed 1/16
- Bobby Slowik, senior pass-game coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/23
- Frank Smith, former offensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed
- Charlie Weis Jr., offensive coordinator (Ole Miss): Withdrew from search
Titans To Interview Dino Vasso For DC Job
A third name has emerged on the list of candidates for the Titans‘ defensive coordinator position. The team will look into a staffer from within the AFC South.
Tennessee has lined up an interview with Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. This marks the first sign of interest in Vasso’s case regarding a coordinator vacancy. He was not on the DC radar previously in the 2026 hiring cycle or any others.
After a brief start to his coaching career at the college level, Vasso received his first NFL opportunity with the Chiefs in 2013. Three years as an assistant in Kansas City was followed by a move to the Eagles. Vasso worked his way up to assistant defensive coordinator, a role he held in 2020. For the past five years, he has been on the Texans’ staff.
Vasso initially joined the Texans as a cornerbacks coach; he held that role for three years. The 38-year-old’s purview was expanded slightly in 2024 with his title shifting to defensive backs coach. The Texans’ defense has certainly benefited from strong play in the secondary during recent years, and Rapoport notes both Jim Schwartz and Matt Burke have offered endorsements for Vasso.
Those strong reviews will now result in at least one interview for a coordinator position. The Titans hired Robert Saleh as their new head coach earlier this week. Shortly thereafter, it was confirmed defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson was among the coaches who will not return as part of the new staff. Saleh’s defensive background could see him call plays on that side of the ball with his new team, but even in that event his DC hire will be key. It would be interesting if Saleh were to tap a first-time D-coordinator as part of his initial staff.
Of course, the Titans’ other candidates at this point – Aaron Whitecotton (Cowboys) and Al Harris (Bears) – have never been an NFL coordinator either. Vasso will join those two in seeking out an initial opportunity in Tennessee.