Jim Schwartz, the former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator, says he decided to leave the team after the organization chose a different candidate for its head coaching vacancy. According to multiple reports, Schwartz was considered during Cleveland’s search for a new head coach that followed the firing of Kevin Stefanski. The Athletic and other outlets report that Schwartz was among the finalists for the position. Schwartz also describes his departure in terms of fit and expectations, saying that remaining in Cleveland would not have worked because, in his view, it would have amounted to a “forced marriage.” Reports characterize Schwartz’s time with the Browns as including strong defensive performance, with him serving in the role for the past three seasons. Fox News and the New York Post add that Schwartz’s explanation centers on being passed over for the head coaching job, which ultimately went to Todd Monken. Together, the sources present Schwartz’s departure as a decision tied to the outcome of the head coaching process and his assessment that the arrangement would not be sustainable going forward.