The Cleveland Browns will reportedly hire Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as defensive coordinator, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. The Browns hired Rutenberg over Browns linebackers coach Jason Tarver and Houston Texans defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin.
Rutenberg will replace Jim Schwartz, the former Browns defensive coordinator who resigned after the team selected Todd Monken instead of him for the head coaching position. This will be Rutenberg's first time as a defensive coordinator. Similarly, the Browns' new offensive coordinator, Travis Switzer, is serving in this role for the first time.
Before joining the Falcons, Rutenberg coached under Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh with the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers. The Titans requested to interview him for their defensive coordinator opening before hiring Gus Bradley.
The 44-year-old also spent time in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders and at the collegiate level with New Mexico State and UCLA.
Rutenberg will take over for a Browns defense that ranked in the top five in yards allowed and sacks last season. The team is also expected to bring back 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, who set the NFL's single-season record with 23 sacks last season. Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger also won Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The Browns are coming off a 5-12 season and missed the playoffs the last two seasons.