Browns hire Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator

The Cleveland Browns have hired Jim Schwartz as their new defensive coordinator, the team announced Wednesday.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Brian Flores, Seattle associate head coach Sean Desai, and Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson were the other top contenders for the job, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini.

Schwartz spent the last two seasons as a senior defensive assistant for the Tennessee Titans. He was previously the Detroit Lions' head coach from 2009-2013, earning a 29-51 record and one playoff appearance.

After being fired by the Lions, the 56-year-old spent one year as the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator before taking the same role with the Philadelphia Eagles for the next five seasons.

Schwartz's fourth-ranked defense helped drive the Eagles to a Super Bowl win in 2017. However, his unit steadily regressed over the next three campaigns.

Schwartz is replacing Joe Woods, who was fired Jan. 9 following three seasons. Cleveland's defense finished 20th in points allowed and turnovers forced last campaign.