The Cleveland Browns are turning the page on defense.
With Jim Schwartz out, head coach Todd Monken has reportedly zeroed in on his new defensive coordinator - and it’s a name that might not be flashy, but brings a quietly impressive résumé: Mike Rutenberg.
Rutenberg, who spent last season as the defensive pass game coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, is expected to take over the reins of Cleveland’s defense. And while this move hasn’t been officially announced by the team, all signs point to Rutenberg being Monken’s guy.
Let’s break down what this hire means - and why it could be a smart play for a Browns team that’s looking to maintain its defensive identity while building something new.
A Deep Coaching Tree
Rutenberg’s path to Cleveland has been anything but linear, but it’s been rich in experience. He’s worked across multiple levels of NFL defenses, starting with the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2013. Over six seasons in Jacksonville, he climbed the ladder from assistant defensive backs coach to assistant linebackers coach - gaining a wide-angle view of how to build a defense from the back end to the front.
He then spent four seasons with the New York Jets as their linebackers coach, working under defensive-minded head coaches and sharpening his ability to develop talent in the middle of the field. But perhaps the most intriguing stop on his journey came in 2020, when he joined the San Francisco 49ers as their defensive passing game specialist.
That year, he worked closely with Robert Saleh - now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans - whose defensive philosophy shares a lot of DNA with the system Schwartz ran in Cleveland. It’s that connection that makes this move feel more like a continuation than a reset.
Familiar Concepts, Fresh Perspective
Schwartz’s departure leaves big shoes to fill. His aggressive, attacking style helped shape one of the more disruptive defenses in the league. But Rutenberg doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel - in fact, his background suggests he won’t.
Saleh’s system, which Rutenberg helped implement in San Francisco and later with the Jets, is rooted in similar principles: fast, physical play from the front four, disciplined zone coverage on the back end, and an emphasis on creating chaos without blitzing heavily. That’s right in Cleveland’s wheelhouse, especially with the talent they’ve built along the defensive line.
So while the voice in the headset might be changing, the message on the field could stay largely the same - and that continuity matters.
A Thorough Search
To Monken’s credit, this wasn’t a rushed decision. He reportedly considered both internal candidates like linebackers coach Jason Tarver and safeties coach Ephraim, as well as a solid list of external names: Jonathan Cooley (Panthers), Charlie Bullen (Giants), Aubrey Pleasant (Rams), and Cory Undlin (Texans) all got looks.
But Rutenberg stood out - and it’s easy to see why. He’s coached every level of the defense, worked under respected defensive minds, and comes with a reputation for being detail-oriented and adaptable.
He’s not a household name, but he doesn’t need to be. What the Browns need is someone who can keep the defense humming - and Rutenberg has the tools to do just that.
The Bigger Picture
This move also helps round out Monken’s first NFL staff. While not yet official, it’s expected that Travis Switzer will take over as offensive coordinator and Byron Storer will handle special teams. Together with Rutenberg, that gives Monken a trio of coordinators who bring a mix of experience, energy, and familiarity with the systems he wants to run.
For Cleveland, this offseason is about more than just plugging holes - it’s about building a foundation that can sustain success. Bringing in Rutenberg is a step in that direction. He’s not just filling a vacancy; he’s stepping into a role that will shape the identity of the Browns’ defense moving forward.
And if his track record is any indication, he’s ready for it.