The NFL’s most feared defensive mind and one of its most creative offensive architects on the same sideline?
A Jim Schwartz-Mike McDaniel duo is the home-run swing the Browns must take to jump start 2026.
Hunting for a fresh spark, the ultimate "full circle" story is suddenly on the table for McDaniel and Cleveland.
The vision? DC Jim Schwartz is promoted to head coach. This keeps Myles Garrett and the Browns highly touted defense intact. The offense then gets kick started by bringing back the offensive creativity of Mike McDaniel as his play-calling coordinator.
The Dolphins made the postseason in Mike McDaniel’s first two years, with an offense that was one of the most explosive in the NFL. His tenure in Miami ends with a 35-33 record. Https://t.co/GMdaKJC3aR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2026
More: Browns to acquire Pro Bowl QB? Massive 2026 move to challenge Shedeur Sanders as starter
This isn't just a fantasy; it’s a homecoming. Before he was the league's most viral head coach, McDaniel was in the trenches in Cleveland as wide receivers coach in 2014 with Kyle Shanahan as OC.
Pairing McDaniel’s explosive scheme with a Schwartz-led defense--which just finished the 2025 season ranked top five in total yards--would give Cleveland the most balanced staff in the AFC North.
| 2025 Season | Browns Defense | Browns Offense | McDaniel's 2023 Peak |
| NFL Ranking | 4th (Total Yards) | 30th (Total Yards) | 1st (Total Yards) |
| Key Stat | 53 Sacks (Team Record) | 31st (Points Scored) | 29.2 PPG (2nd) |
For a franchise looking to turn things around quickly, combining these two would be the exciting aggressive move that the Dawg Pound has been waiting for.
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