The Browns are continuing their search for a new defensive coordinator, and the latest name added to the mix is Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg. According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Cleveland has officially requested an interview with Rutenberg as they evaluate their options to fill the vacancy.
Rutenberg, 44, has been steadily building his NFL résumé over the past decade, and he’s no stranger to the DC conversation. He was reportedly the runner-up for the Titans’ defensive coordinator job under new head coach Robert Saleh before Tennessee ultimately went with Gus Bradley. That near-miss speaks volumes about how Rutenberg is viewed around the league-he’s clearly on the radar for teams looking to revamp their defensive identity.
The Browns have cast a wide net so far, and Rutenberg joins a growing list of candidates that includes both in-house coaches and external options. Here’s where things stand:
- Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach - Interviewed
- Jason Tarver, Browns linebackers coach - Interviewed
- Charlie Bullen, Giants outside linebackers coach - Interview requested
- Aubrey Pleasant, Rams defensive pass game coordinator - Interview scheduled
- Jonathan Cooley, Panthers defensive pass game coordinator - Interview requested
- Mike Rutenberg, Falcons defensive pass game coordinator - Interview requested
Rutenberg’s coaching journey has taken him through a variety of roles and systems, giving him a well-rounded defensive background. He got his NFL start as an intern with Washington back in 2013 before spending several years in the college ranks. He returned to the league with the Jaguars, working his way up through multiple defensive roles from 2013 to 2019.
In 2020, the 49ers brought him on as a passing game specialist, and he followed that up with a stint as the Jets’ linebackers coach in 2021. Most recently, he took over as the Falcons’ defensive pass game coordinator in 2025, where he’s been part of a staff that’s emphasized versatility and coverage discipline on the back end.
For the Browns, this hire is a pivotal one. With a defense that already features elite talent at all three levels, the right coordinator could be the missing piece to elevate this unit into one of the league’s most dominant. Rutenberg’s experience in multiple defensive schemes-and his recent rise through the coaching ranks-makes him an intriguing candidate to watch as Cleveland’s search progresses.