The Baltimore Ravens are turning over every stone in their search for a new head coach. After firing not only an 18-year veteran but also a Hall of Fame-caliber coach in John Harbaugh, it’s crucial they get this decision right. With such a daring move, they cannot afford to make the wrong call.
As of Monday evening, the team has interviewed seven candidates, the latest of which are former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
The team isn’t even close to finishing their interview process. There are plenty more to come, and that same Monday, it was reported they requested an interview with Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The Ravens requested an interview with Browns DC Jim Schwartz for their head coaching job, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 12, 2026
Schwartz also interviewed for Cleveland’s head coaching job and the team doesn’t want to lose him. But their AFC North rivals will speak with him. pic.twitter.com/zROfZNLDSd
It should come as no shock that Schwartz is becoming a hot name during this coaching cycle. For the Ravens, it would make too much sense for them to target a defensive coach after their horrendous season in that area. In Schwartz, they would be getting maybe the best defensive mind in the game currently.
Ravens request to interview Jim Schwartz
The story of Baltimore’s defense and Schwartz’s defense could not have been more different in 2025.
The Ravens applied little to no pressure on opposing quarterbacks and finished tied for third-worst in the NFL with 30 sacks. They also finished 24th in yards allowed per game with 354.5.
Schwartz’s Browns, on the other hand, had the third-most sacks with 53, and allowed just 283.6 yards per game, a mark that ranked fourth-best. The 59-year-old coach has the exact kind of mindset that Baltimore needs to bring back: ruthless aggression on defense.
While Schwartz didn’t have a great go around in his first chance as a head coach, there’s reason to believe change could be on the horizon. Sure, his 29-51 record as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2013 is horrible, but those rosters weren’t exactly filled with talent.
Outside of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and some decent front sevens, there was never a whole lot for Schwartz to work with. That would obviously change with the Ravens.
What makes Schwartz an even more intriguing candidate is his connection to Baltimore. He is from the area and was even part of the Ravens’ coaching staff from 1996 to 1998, serving as the outside linebackers coach.
Schwartz may not be the most desirable candidate given his failure in Detroit, but if given the right supporting coaching staff and roster, he may be able to prove himself in a potential second shot as a head coach.