Jim Schwartz resigned from his job as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, the team announced Friday.

Schwartz reportedly was unhappy when the Browns hired Todd Monken instead of him as their head coach.

“Yesterday, Jim Schwartz submitted his letter of resignation as defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns,” the team said in a statement. “We’d like to thank Jim for his contributions to our organization over the last three seasons. Our search for a new defensive coordinator will begin immediately.”

While Schwartz remains under contract with the team, he plans to sit out the 2026 season, per The Athletic. Schwartz, 59, previously was the head coach of the Detroit Lions (2009-13). This is the first head coaching opportunity for the 61-year-old Monken.

Schwartz was the defensive coordinator of the Browns the past three seasons. With Myles Garrett, who set the NFL single-season record for sacks (23) in 2025 to anchor the defense, Cleveland’s unit was one of the NFL’s best during his tenure.

The team finished among the leaders in total yards allowed — first in 2023 and fourth in 2025.

During interviews with potential head coaching candidates, the Browns’ top brass, including owner Jimmy Haslam, expressed they wanted Schwartz to remain as defensive coordinator.

Monken, Schwartz and Rams pass coordinator Nate Scheelhaase were the finalists. Monken’s experience is on the offensive side of the ball, serving as offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens the past three seasons.

Now, Monken is without both coordinators. Tommy Rees, the OC in 2025, accepted the same position in Atlanta.

Rees will be reunited with the coach Monken replaced, Kevin Stefanski, who is the new head coach of the Falcons after being dismissed by the Browns on Jan. 5.

–Field Level Media

MILAN, Italy — Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, using the encounter to reaffirm the strength of U.S.-Italian ties despite tensions around the presence of U.S. security personnel at the Games.

The meeting also was attended by Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, and Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister.

“They are here for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, but it is also an opportunity for us to discuss our bilateral relations,” Meloni said after welcoming the two U.S. leaders at the Milan prefecture, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

“Italy and the United States have always maintained very significant ties,” she added, stressing that the two governments were working to strengthen cooperation across multiple fronts and address ongoing international issues.

Her words were echoed by Vance.

“We love Italy and the Italian people. As you said, we have many excellent relations, many economic connections and partnerships,” he said.

“In the Olympic spirit, competition is based on rules. It’s good to have shared values, and we will have a very constructive exchange on many topics.”

Energy security and the creation of safe and reliable supply chains for critical minerals also were among topics discussed during the talks, along with the latest developments in Iran and Venezuela, the Italian prime minister’s office said in a statement issued later in the day.

The meeting comes amid a backlash in Italy following the disclosure that analysts linked to a branch under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would support the U.S. delegation during the Games.

The news triggered political criticism and concerns that spectators might boo U.S. athletes or officials.

Over the past week, hundreds of demonstrators — including student groups and families — have staged protests across Milan highlighting ICE’s record and demanding clarity on its role in Italy.

Meloni, speaking in a Thursday night interview with broadcast group Mediaset, called the uproar “surreal,” stressing that the investigative branch involved has long cooperated with Italy.

“It has never carried out, could never carry out, and will never carry out police operations — immigration enforcement or checks — on our territory,” she said.

–Reuters, special to Field Level Media

Los Angeles FC acquired midfielder Stephen Eustaquio on loan from Portuguese club FC Porto, the team announced Friday.

Eustaquio, who is signed through the end of June with an option to buy, will occupy an international spot.

Since joining Porto in January 2022, he notched 12 goals and 11 assists in 156 matches across all competitions. He also played at fellow Portuguese sides Torreense, Leixoes, Chaves and Pacos Ferreira, as well as LIGA MX powerhouse Cruz Azul.

“Stephen is a top-class midfielder with extensive international experience who knows what it takes to win and lead at the highest level,” LAFC general manager John Thorrington said in a statement. “We’re excited to add a player of his quality, and we’re confident he will have an immediate, positive impact on the group both on and off the field.”

The 29-year-old has four goals in 54 caps for his native Canada, playing in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America.

LAFC will begin the upcoming season with a visit from MLS Cup champion Inter Miami on Feb. 21.

–Field Level Media