The votes are in and Browns’ defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has been named the 2023 AP Assistant Coach of the Year at NFL Honors
No one can dispute the impact that Jim Schwartz had on Cleveland’s defense, the franchise as a whole and each player that played under him this past season. Schwartz was recognized for his efforts helping transform the Browns by being selected as this year’s AP Assistant Coach of the Year.
With Cleveland’s offense dealing with an assortment of injuries during the season, it was Schwartz unit that helped stabilize the team when things were at their most dire.
Cleveland’s defense in 2023 was historic on a number of levels. They were among the league leaders in total yards allowed. That unit finished the having allowed a league-leading 270.2 total yards per game and just 164.7 passing yards per game. The 270.2 yards per game was, on average, 19.6 yards better than the second-place Chiefs.
One of the most impressive aspects of the defense is just how much each level of the unit produced. A loaded secondary, headlined by Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome and MJ Emerson collectively put up one of the best performances in football, as Cleveland finished top five in interceptions.
Meanwhile, safety Grant Delpit had a career-season and earned a contract extension before suffering a season-ending injury, while rookie Ronnie Hickman emerged as a reliable reserve at the position.
In the middle of the defense, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Sione Takitaki both had their best years in the NFL. JOK even catapulted himself into the conversation as one of the best linebackers in football.
It’s impossible to talk about Cleveland’s play on that side of the ball without mentioning Myles Garrett, who took home Defensive Player of the Year and his defensive line-mates, Dalvin Tomlinson, Maurice Hurst, Jordan Elliot and Za’Darius Smith, among others.
The common thread between all of these guys was Jim Schwartz. Schwartz brought a defensive scheme to Cleveland that unlocked the best that these players had to offer.
Cleveland is lucky to have him back in the building for 2024 but on Thursday night, he is celebrated as the top assistant in all of the NFL.
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