That decision may limit the options for Cleveland’s new defensive coordinator but there are still candidates who fit the bill or who could work:
Tarver has helped build solid-to-great linebacker groups for the Browns over the last six seasons. A veteran coach with over 20 years of experience, Tarver spent three seasons as a defensive coordinator for the Raiders from 2012 to 2014.
In his third year in Cleveland and third year in the NFL, Banda is an up-and-coming coach. He was noted a few weeks ago, while the head coach search was still in process, as a backup plan if Schwartz departed. Banda also interviewed for the Cowboys and Jets defensive coordinator positions this offseason. He spent time as a defensive coordinator at the college level with Utah State and at the University of Miami before jumping to the Browns
Undlin also just completed his third year with the Texans. Prior to that, he coached with the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles (with Vasso), Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots. Undlin also spent four years with the Browns in a variety of roles from 2005 to 2008, finishing as the team’s defensive backs coach. Undline was the Lions defensive coordinator for one season.
A out of left field candidate is Mayo. Cleveland interviewed Mayo for their defensive coordinator position, which ultimately went to Schwartz. Prior to his one failed season as New England’s head coach, Mayo was seen as an up-and-coming coach in the NFL and could look at the Browns defense as a way to return to that level of reputation as a coach. Mayo’s system has some flexibility to it, similar to how Monken sees offense, but he does not have history under Schwartz.
The talent on Cleveland’s roster should draw a lot of coaches with interest in taking over for Schwarz. Monken’s (probably intelligent) insistence on keeping the same system might limit the pool of candidates the Browns interview for the job, but the team should have plenty of options.
Who do you think should be the next Browns defensive coordinator? Do you think any of the five listed above would be a good fit?
Share in our comment section below your favorite option to lead Monken’s staff on the defensive side of the ball
