Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is set for a homecoming of sorts this weekend when he takes the sidelines at Ford Field. Before carving out his reputation as one of the league’s sharpest defensive minds, Schwartz spent five seasons leading the Detroit Lions as head coach.
From 2009 through 2013, Schwartz oversaw both ups and downs in Detroit. His first year ended in a tough 2-14 campaign, though one of those wins came against his current team—the Browns—adding an ironic layer to his coaching journey. Despite the challenges, Schwartz looks back on those years with appreciation.
Speaking with reporters this week, Schwartz shared that his Detroit tenure left him with positive memories that extend beyond football. “I really enjoyed my time there. My family loved it, I loved coaching those players, I loved the city, and I really admired the organization,” he said. He explained that while his later role with the Eagles limited his ability to cheer for Detroit due to conference rivalries, being in the AFC again gives him the chance to root for them from afar. He also praised Lions head coach Dan Campbell, noting that Detroit now embodies Campbell’s tough, physical style of play.
Under Schwartz’s leadership, Cleveland’s defense has been nearly impenetrable against the run in 2025. Through three games, opponents are averaging just 57.3 rushing yards, and no team has cracked the 100-yard mark. The Week 3 upset of the Green Bay Packers highlighted the unit’s dominance, as they stifled one of the league’s most balanced offenses.
Detroit, however, presents perhaps the stiffest challenge yet. With a backfield featuring Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the Lions lean heavily on their ground attack to set the tone offensively. That makes Sunday’s matchup not just a reunion for Schwartz but also a fascinating chess match between Detroit’s physical running game and Cleveland’s suffocating defense.
For Schwartz, the return to Ford Field is more than just another game—it’s an opportunity to revisit a chapter of his career while testing his current defense against one of the NFL’s most respected rushing attacks. Both teams will be pushing for an early-season statement win, and Schwartz’s unique history with the Lions only adds intrigue to an already compelling clash.
