The Cleveland Browns are moving decisively to fill their most critical coaching vacancy. According to a report by Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, head coach Todd Monken is conducting in-person interviews this weekend with two candidates for the team's open defensive coordinator position: Houston Texans pass game coordinator Cory Undlin and Atlanta Falcons defensive assistant Mike Rutenberg.
Sources indicate the process is advancing rapidly, with Monken expected to name Jim Schwartz's successor within the next day or two. This accelerated timeline suggests strong alignment between the Browns' front office and coaching staff on the profile they seek for their defensive architect, signaling the desire to have the new coordinator in place well before the full offseason program begins.
The vacancy arose following the 2025 season when Schwartz, the architect of Cleveland's formidable defense in recent years, stepped down to pursue other opportunities. Schwartz's defense, built on an aggressive, attacking front and an opportunistic secondary, became central to the Browns' identity. The next coordinator's challenge will be maintaining that high standard rather than reinventing the wheel.
This weekend's interviews represent the final stage of a targeted search. Here is an analysis of the two leading candidates vying to lead one of the NFL's most talented defensive units.
Cory Undlin: The Scheme Continuity Candidate
Cory Undlin is no stranger to Cleveland, having served as the Browns' defensive backs coach during the 2020 season under then-head coach Kevin Stefanski. During that tenure, he helped develop a secondary featuring Denzel Ward and contributed to the Browns securing their first playoff berth in nearly 20 years. His departure after one season was viewed as a significant loss.
Since then, Undlin has broadened his experience significantly. In 2023, he joined the Houston Texans as their pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach, roles he has held through the 2025 season. Working under head coach DeMeco Ryans, Undlin has been instrumental in developing a young Texans secondary and implementing a pressure-based scheme with a strong emphasis on the front-seven's pass rush.
For Cleveland, Undlin offers a blend of familiarity with the organization's culture and recent experience in a defense philosophically aligned with Jim Schwartz's approach. Both systems stress generating pressure with the front four to enable varied and complex coverage behind. Hiring Undlin would suggest a preference for evolutionary continuity, delivering stability to a veteran defensive group.
Mike Rutenberg: The Rising Star from the Monken Tree
Mike Rutenberg presents a contrasting appeal as a sharp, promising coach who has worked directly with head coach Todd Monken. Rutenberg spent the 2023 through 2025 seasons as a defensive assistant with the Atlanta Falcons, where Monken served as offensive coordinator before taking the Browns' head coaching job in 2024.
Though officially listed as a defensive assistant, Rutenberg's responsibilities have spanned multiple defensive position groups, providing him broad exposure and development within an NFL defense. His career trajectory, marked by analytical acumen and strong teaching abilities, reflects a rising star carving his niche in the coaching ranks.
Selecting Rutenberg would be a strategic choice prioritizing high upside and trust. Monken's firsthand familiarity with Rutenberg's work ethic and football intellect offers a unique synergy. This "hire what you know" approach aims to ensure seamless communication and collaboration--an invaluable asset in coordinating defensive strategy. While Rutenberg lacks NFL play-calling experience, Monken may believe he is ready, following precedents of coordinators who successfully made the leap.
The Stakes and the Timeline
The new defensive coordinator will inherit a deep, talented roster. The Browns' defense is anchored by All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. The cornerback tandem of Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson Jr. ranks among the best in the league, complemented by a fast, versatile linebacker group led by Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. The priority will not be talent acquisition but system optimization--maximizing strengths and adjusting effectively in-game to contend strongly in the AFC North.
The expected decision within a day or two underscores the role's urgency. With the NFL Scouting Combine approaching, followed by free agency, the defensive coordinator must be on board to contribute critically to player evaluation, draft strategy, and offseason staff assembly. Early installation of scheme terminology and concepts will be vital for a smooth offseason and training camp.
This hire marks Todd Monken's first major coaching staff decision since becoming Browns head coach, providing a lens into his vision for the defense. Will he opt for Cory Undlin's proven, scheme-specific expertise to maintain momentum, or will he place his trust in Mike Rutenberg's potential and existing rapport with the coaching staff to drive the defense forward?
The Browns are not rebuilding; they are built to win now, with their championship window wide open. Selecting the next defensive coordinator is pivotal to sustaining that competitive edge. The interviews are underway, and Cleveland's answer is imminent. The direction of one of the league's most feared defenses hangs in the balance.