Browns Consider Banda as DC If Schwartz Leaves

The Browns are midway through second interviews for a new head coach, with Jim Schwartz’s future uncertain. If Schwartz departs, Cleveland reportedly could promote safeties coach Ephraim Banda to defensive coordinator while pairing him with a younger head coach candidate, a plan highlighted by Mary Kay Cabot. Banda has prior DC experience at Miami (FL) and Utah State. Other interviewed candidates include Todd Monken, Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter, Grant Udinski, and Nate Scheelhaase, though Scheelhaase cannot interview until Jan. 26 due to the Rams’ NFC Championship run. The situation also touches on whether the team should honor Schwartz’s contract and how much top-level coaching experience the next regime will require.