Browns might have a backup plan if DC Jim Schwartz leaves

The Cleveland Browns have turned the page on their head coach search from a set of first interviews over the last two weeks to second and in-person interviews starting this week. The news came fast and furious over the weekend, starting with current Browns DC Jim Schwartz’s second interview being reported. Following that, we learned of five others:

• Ravens OC Todd Monken – Interviewed. Now scheduled for a second interview
• Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel – Interviewed. Now scheduled for a second interview
• Chargers DC Jesse Minter – Interviewed. Now being scheduled for a second interview
• Jaguars OC Grant Udinski – Interviewed. Now scheduled for a second interview
• Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase – Interviewed. Now being scheduled for a second interview

With Los Angeles moving on to the NFC Championship game, Cleveland cannot interview Scheelhaase, which also would help with compliance with the Rooney Rule, until Monday, January 26th at the earliest.

Many have assumed that Schwartz, still under contract with the Browns, would be forced to remain with the team in his current role if he doesn’t get the top job. That may not be true if Minter gets the job, but the other four offensive-minded guys would benefit greatly from having the veteran defensive coach.

It is also possible that, if Schwartz doesn’t get the job, the new head coach decides it is not worth the hassle to try to force the current defensive coordinator to stick around, especially since he may only have one season left on his contract in Cleveland.

According to Mary Kay Cabot, the team might have a simple plan if Schwartz departs:

One possible candidate for the Browns defensive coordinator job is safeties coach Ephraim Banda, who’s interviewed for the coordinator jobs in Dallas and with the Jets.

Banda has experience as a defensive coordinator, most recently at Miami (Fl) and Utah State, before he joined the Browns. Last year, the Indianapolis Colts interviewed Banda for their open defensive coordinator position.

Hiring Banda (44 years old), along with one of the young candidates as head coach, could bring a breath of fresh air and ideas to the Browns, but also leave them lacking experience at the top of their coaching staff.

If Schwartz leaves, how would you feel about Banda being his replacement? Do you think a new head coach (assuming it’s not the DC himself) should hold Schwartz to his contract or let him go elsewhere?

Share your Banda, Schwartz-related thoughts in the comment section below