The Cleveland Browns are closing in on their next defensive coordinator, and the search has narrowed to three finalists: Texans passing game coordinator Cory Undlin, Browns linebackers coach Jason Tarver, and Falcons passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Each brings a different flavor of experience to the table, but all three have spent significant time in the NFL trenches-either calling plays or shaping units behind the scenes.
Let’s break down what each candidate brings, and why this decision could be pivotal for a Browns defense that’s looking to stay among the league’s elite.
Cory Undlin: The Veteran Technician
At 54, Cory Undlin is the most seasoned of the trio. He’s been around the league long enough to have seen just about every defensive wrinkle teams can throw at you. Starting his coaching journey at California Lutheran as a linebackers coach, Undlin jumped to the NFL in 2004 with the Patriots as a defensive coaching assistant-a launchpad that’s produced more than a few notable careers.
From there, he made stops with the Browns, Jaguars, and Broncos before landing with the Eagles in 2015 as their defensive backs coach. That Philly secondary was a key part of the team’s Super Bowl run in 2017, and Undlin’s fingerprints were all over it.
He got his shot as a defensive coordinator in 2020 with the Lions, though that stint didn’t go as planned. Detroit’s defense that year ranked dead last in both yards and points allowed, and near the bottom in both rushing and passing defense.
But context matters. That Detroit roster was in flux, and Undlin didn’t exactly inherit a loaded unit.
After that, he spent two seasons with the 49ers-one of the league’s most innovative defenses-as a pass game specialist and secondary coach. In 2023, he joined DeMeco Ryans’ staff in Houston, helping shape a young, aggressive defense that turned heads last season.
Undlin’s resume is deep, and he’s worked under some of the brightest minds in the game. That experience, especially in the secondary, could be a strong asset for a Browns defense that thrives on tight coverage and disciplined zone play.
Jason Tarver: The In-House Option
If the Browns want continuity, Jason Tarver makes a lot of sense. He’s been on staff since 2020 as the team’s linebackers coach and knows this defense inside and out. At 51, Tarver’s been around the NFL for over two decades, and he’s worn a lot of hats along the way.
He started his NFL career with the 49ers on the offensive side of the ball, which gives him a unique perspective when it comes to anticipating what opposing coordinators are trying to do. He eventually transitioned to defense and climbed the ladder in San Francisco before heading to Stanford in 2011 as their defensive coordinator. Just a year later, he was back in the NFL calling plays for the Raiders.
Tarver’s time as a coordinator in Oakland gave him valuable play-calling experience, though those Raiders defenses didn’t exactly set the world on fire. Still, the ability to run a defense at the NFL level is no small thing, and he’s had years to refine his approach since then.
He returned to the 49ers as linebackers coach, then took a similar dual role at Vanderbilt before joining Cleveland. His familiarity with the Browns’ personnel and scheme could give him an edge, especially if the team wants a smooth transition without overhauling the system.
Mike Rutenberg: The Rising Strategist
At 44, Mike Rutenberg is the youngest of the three, but don’t let that fool you-he’s got a well-rounded coaching background that’s taken him through both the college and pro ranks. He began his NFL journey as an intern with Washington in 2013 and made his way to Jacksonville, where he served in various roles on the defensive side of the ball.
In 2020, he joined the 49ers as a passing game specialist-a role that’s become increasingly important in a league dominated by aerial attacks. He then spent time with the Jets as their linebackers coach before landing in Atlanta, where he currently serves as the defensive pass game coordinator.
Rutenberg’s recent work in Atlanta has been under the radar but effective. His focus on pass defense and coverage schemes fits the modern NFL, where stopping the pass is priority No.
- He’s part of a new wave of defensive minds that specialize in dissecting route concepts and countering today’s high-octane offenses with layered zone coverages and disguised pressure.
While he doesn’t have coordinator experience at the NFL level, his recent track record suggests he’s ready for the next step. If the Browns are looking for a fresh voice with a modern approach to defending the pass, Rutenberg checks a lot of boxes.
What’s Next for the Browns?
This hire is going to say a lot about how the Browns view their current defensive identity. Do they want to double down on what’s already working with an internal promotion like Tarver?
Do they want a seasoned voice like Undlin, who’s been through the wars and can bring a veteran’s eye to the operation? Or do they swing younger with Rutenberg, betting on upside and schematic innovation?
No matter which way they go, the Browns are clearly doing their homework. Each of these candidates brings something different to the table, and the decision could be the difference between a defense that’s good-and one that’s great.