The Cleveland Browns are making waves with their recent coaching moves, bringing on Mike Rutenberg as their new defensive coordinator while largely retaining their defensive staff. One standout name in their ranks is safeties coach Ephraim Banda, who’s catching the eye of teams around the league.
Banda, a rising star in coaching circles, was recently interviewed by the New England Patriots for their defensive coordinator position. This move was part of the Patriots' effort to satisfy the Rooney Rule, which mandates that teams interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operations jobs. Banda, who’s been on the radar for several DC openings, is clearly a hot commodity.
The connection between Banda and the Patriots isn’t out of the blue. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had a stint with the Browns in 2024 as a coaching and personnel consultant, giving him a firsthand look at Banda’s capabilities. Banda, who joined the Browns in 2023 from Utah State, where he served as defensive coordinator and safeties coach, has made quite an impression.
Despite Banda’s strong credentials, Zak Kuhr was the frontrunner for the Patriots’ defensive coordinator role. Kuhr stepped up as the Patriots’ play-caller early in the season and continued through their Super Bowl run.
With Terrell Williams stepping aside due to health issues, Kuhr's path to the role was clear. Williams is now cancer-free and transitioning to a new role within the organization.
While Banda’s interview with the Patriots might have seemed like a long shot, it underscores his growing reputation. He’s also been in the mix for DC roles with the Cowboys, Jets, and his current team, the Browns. Cleveland’s defensive continuity under Todd Monken was a key factor, and Banda appeared to be a strong internal candidate, though he wasn’t among the final three contenders for the position.
Despite not landing a coordinator role this cycle, Banda gained valuable experience and is poised for more opportunities in the future. With the Browns keeping their defensive staff largely intact, Banda’s continued presence, alongside key figures like linebackers coach Jason Tarver and others, provides a solid foundation for Rutenberg’s first year as DC.
The Browns’ defense remains a pillar for the team, and with talented coaches like Banda in the mix, they’re well-positioned to build on their strengths. As Banda continues to develop, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take on more responsibilities and further enhance his profile in the league.