The Todd Monken era in Cleveland is officially underway, and the first significant move of his tenure is taking shape on the staffing front. According to a report from Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, the new Browns head coach has requested an interview with Houston Texans defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin for Cleveland's vacant defensive coordinator position.
This request marks a crucial first step in Monken's mission to assemble his coaching staff, a process that will define the early identity and direction of his regime. The defensive coordinator role is arguably the most critical hire outside of the head coach himself, tasked with revitalizing a unit that has experienced its share of volatility in recent seasons. Targeting Undlin, a coach with a diverse background and recent success in Houston, signals a specific vision for the Browns' defensive future.
Cory Undlin brings a wealth of experience to the table, having navigated the NFL coaching landscape for nearly two decades. His current role with the Texans under head coach DeMeco Ryans has placed him at the heart of one of the league's most impressive defensive turnarounds. As the defensive passing game coordinator, Undlin has been instrumental in developing a secondary that played with discipline and aggression, key components in Houston's surge to playoff contention. His work with young defensive backs and his schematic input in a successful system make him an attractive candidate for a Browns team looking to solidify its back end.
Undlin's resume extends far beyond his time in Houston, however. He served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2020, giving him valuable play-calling experience at the highest level. He has also held defensive backs coach positions with the Denver Broncos (with whom he won Super Bowl 50), the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. This journey has exposed him to a variety of defensive philosophies, from the aggressive, Super Bowl-winning "No Fly Zone" in Denver to the intricate schemes in Philadelphia. That breadth of knowledge could be appealing to Monken, who may be seeking a coordinator with a flexible, adaptable approach rather than a rigid, system-bound ideology.
For the Browns, the need for defensive stability is paramount. The team has cycled through defensive coordinators in recent years, with each change bringing shifts in scheme and terminology. This inconsistency can hinder player development and limit overall performance. Hiring a coordinator like Undlin, who has both coordinator experience and a specialized background in pass defense, could provide the steady hand needed. Cleveland's defense possesses high-end talent, particularly in the secondary with players like Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II, but has sometimes struggled with communication and big-play prevention. Undlin's expertise aligns directly with addressing those weaknesses.
The connection to Head Coach Todd Monken is also worth examining. While they have not worked together directly, Monken's offensive background necessitates trust in his defensive coordinator to manage that side of the ball autonomously yet collaboratively. Monken's interest in Undlin suggests he values a coach with recent experience in a winning, cohesive environment like Houston's. It indicates a preference for a coordinator who can install a modern, competitive defense that complements what Monken wants to build offensively--likely an aggressive, up-tempo attack that would benefit from a defense capable of generating turnovers and getting off the field.
Furthermore, this interview request is about more than just one coach; it's a glimpse into Monken's methodology. By targeting a coach from a respected, ascending organization like the Texans, Monken is signaling an intent to import a culture of success and detailed preparation. The Browns' front office, led by General Manager Andrew Berry, has consistently valued intelligence, versatility, and leadership in its coaching hires. Undlin's profile appears to check those boxes, suggesting alignment between the head coach and the front office in this initial, critical search.
Of course, an interview request is just that--a request. The Texans could theoretically block the interview if it were a lateral move, but a promotion from defensive passing game coordinator to full defensive coordinator is usually viewed as a step up, making it likely the Browns will be granted permission to interview Undlin. The interview itself will be a two-way street. Undlin will need to be convinced by Monken's vision for the team, the talent on the roster, and the organizational structure in Cleveland. He is part of a thriving program in Houston, so the Browns' pitch must be compelling.
As the process unfolds, Undlin is unlikely to be the only candidate. The defensive coordinator market will feature a mix of experienced play-callers and up-and-coming position coaches. However, making Undlin one of the first--and possibly the first--interview requests underscores the level of interest from Berea. It sets a benchmark for the type of candidate Monken is pursuing: experienced, strategically diverse, and coming from a program that has recently figured things out on defense.
For Browns fans, this news represents the tangible beginning of a new chapter. The focus shifts from the hiring of the head coach to the construction of his supporting cast. The defensive coordinator hire will influence draft strategy, free agency targets, and the development of every player on that side of the ball. Cory Undlin's name is now at the forefront of that conversation. His potential arrival would bring a proven track record of secondary development and a fresh perspective from a winning culture. As reported by Mary Kay Cabot, this first step by Todd Monken is a deliberate and telling one, aiming to secure a leader who can help forge the identity of the Cleveland Browns defense for years to come. The interview, when it happens, will be a pivotal moment in shaping the 2026 season and beyond.