The San Francisco 49ers' search for a new defensive coordinator has remained relatively quiet. The only known detail so far is that assistant head coach Gus Bradley is viewed as the top internal candidate—a logical option given his familiarity with the defensive scheme. Still, the 49ers are expected to look at the entire landscape and explore all available options.
On Wednesday, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the 49ers could be monitoring the situation surrounding Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Schwartz was recently informed he would not be hired for the Browns' head coaching vacancy, and while he remains under contract, he has reportedly told people inside the building that he does not plan to return.
"The 49ers, among others, would likely have interest in Jim Schwartz if and when he becomes available," Pelissero wrote. "Schwartz was in the Browns facility the past couple days in anticipation of being named head coach. But he'd already told people that if he were passed over, he wasn't staying."
The Browns are reportedly hiring former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach.
The 49ers, among others, would likely have interest in Jim Schwartz if and when he becomes available. Schwartz was in the Browns facility the past couple days in anticipation of being named head coach. But he'd already told people that if he were passed over, he wasn't staying. https://t.co/aXaJx0ZJvK
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2026
San Francisco is searching for a new defensive coordinator after the Tennessee Titans hired Robert Saleh as their head coach.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan previously expressed strong admiration for Schwartz ahead of San Francisco's regular-season matchup against Cleveland in November 2025.
"I've got a lot of respect for Jim," Shanahan said. "I think he's one of the best who does it. He's done it for a while."
Shanahan was also asked about Schwartz's variation of the wide-nine defense, how it differs from the scheme the 49ers employ, and why facing his units is so challenging.
"Not different with the front four and how they're coached," Shanahan explained. "Changes a little bit with how they play their linebackers and their secondary—that's where it changes. But Jim's as good of a coordinator as there is, and when you're as good of a coordinator as there is, and you have the talent that they have, it's a pretty lethal combination."