The Detroit Lions have already added one former head coach to their staff this offseason, with Mike Kafka coming in after spending the end of 2025 as the New York Giants interim head coach. Now, there could be an opportunity for an improbable reunion.
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz seems poised to part ways with the franchise after being passed over for the head coach role in Cleveland in favor of Todd Monken. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero provided clarity on the situation, potentially opening the door for a Motor City reunion:
"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."Tom Pelissero
Jim Schwartz-Browns Drama Could Open Door for Lions Return
Detroit Jock City's Ernesto Cova covered why a reunion with the former Detroit Lions head coach would make sense for the franchise earlier this month.
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is coming off an underwhelming season, and Schwartz would be a proven upgrade with experience in Detroit. Bringing the 59-year-old coach back after the tough seasons he endured, not only with the Lions, but recently with the Browns, makes the fit far too enticing not to consider.
The Lions would be adding yet another proven leader with head coaching experience that can help cement a staff that faced no shortage of questions in the 2025 season. Even if Schwartz were brought in as an assistant or advisor, there is incredible value in having his presence around the coaching staff and roster, especially if Sheppard needs the help.
While the Browns endured yet another miserable season, Schwartz stood out with his unit amassing 53.0 sacks on the season. This was good enough for the third-best in the NFL to go along with Cleveland limiting opposing offenses to 22.3 points per game despite being given zero consistent help from the team's offense.
A capable offense would've made Schwartz's unit among the league's elite, and points to the reason why the coordinator garnered head coach interest and is the perfect fit for Detroit. It is a chance for Schwartz to escape Cleveland and rebuild his head coaching value with an NFC contender.
For the Lions, hiring Schwartz would give head coach Dan Campbell another reliable name to rely on. It's the type of experience Campbell & Co. could've used when Sheppard and John Morton struggled last year, giving Detroit's front office every reason to try to lure Schwartz back to the Motor City.