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Browns hire Jim Schwartz as next defensive coordinator

NFL: JAN 09 Titans at Texans HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 09: Tennessee Titans assistant coach Jim Schwartz watches warm ups prior an NFL game featuring the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans on January 9, 2022 at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. (Photo by John Rivera/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have found their next defensive coordinator.

The team announced Wednesday morning that Jim Schwartz had been hired on to fill the role left vacant after Joe Woods’ firing last week.

Schwartz, 56, spent his last two seasons as the senior defensive assistant for the Tennessee Titans. Before that, he had worked as the defensive coordinator for the Titans, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles.

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The move marks a return to Cleveland for Schwartz, who started his NFL career as a personnel scout for the Browns from 1993-95.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said in an article on the team’s website that Schwartz has been “an outstanding coach in this league for a long time.”

“Jim has seen defensive success at each of his coaching stops because he knows how to get the best out of his players and will match scheme to suit strengths. Jim is a passionate leader who believes in teaching fundamentals,” Stefanski said.

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Outside of working as a defensive coordinator, Schwartz worked as a linebackers coach in Tennessee and an outside linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens.

He served as a head coach for the Detroit Lions from 2009-2013. In 2011, he led the Lions to their first playoff appearance since 1999.

During his stint as defensive coordinator of the Eagles from 2016-20, Schwartz helped lead their defense to their win in Super Bowl LII.

Schwartz is expected to address the meeting on his hiring Wednesday afternoon.

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