Mike Rutenberg spent last season as the Falcons’ defensive pass game coordinator. Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press
Feb. 16, 2026Updated 1:52 pm EST
The Cleveland Browns’ lengthy search for a new defensive coordinator has landed on Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg, according to a team source.
It’s the first coordinator job for Rutenberg, whose previous NFL experience includes time with the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington.
The Browns are now close to completing the staff of new head coach Todd Monken, who was hired Jan. 28. Monken’s hiring led to the exit of Jim Schwartz, the defensive coordinator for the last three seasons, after he twice interviewed for the head-coaching job.
It’s expected that most of Schwartz’s assistants from last season will remain with the Browns. Linebackers coach Jason Tarver and safeties coach Ephraim Banda had both interviewed for the defensive coordinator position.
Rutenberg, 44, spent four seasons as the Jets’ linebackers coach before joining Atlanta’s staff as pass game coordinator last year.
ESPN reported that Rutenberg and Houston Texans pass game coordinator Cory Undlin had in-person interviews with the Browns over the weekend. Tarver and Banda were first on the Browns’ interview list in the wake of Schwartz’s Feb. 6 resignation.
Monken said the Browns will continue to employ the attack-style defense implemented by Schwartz. Cleveland’s defense finished in the top five last season in yards allowed, yards per play allowed and sacks despite the team’s ongoing offensive struggles.
Two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger and safety Grant Delpit are the headline players for the Browns’ defense. Starting linebacker Devin Bush and safety Ronnie Hickman are eligible for free agency next month, but the Browns expect to again field a top-tier defense.
Feb 16, 2026
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