Why Cory Undlin Is the Key to Houston’s Defensive Identity-and Why Losing Him Now Would Be a Major Blow
For years, the Texans searched for something more than just talent-they searched for an identity. Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, they’ve finally found it: a defense that doesn’t just react, it dictates.
Fast, physical, and relentless, this unit has become one of the most feared in the league. And right in the middle of that transformation?
Cory Undlin.
As the Texans’ Defensive Passing Game Coordinator, Undlin has been instrumental in turning Houston’s secondary into a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. But now, with rumors swirling that the Cleveland Browns are eyeing him to replace outgoing defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Houston faces a potential setback at the worst possible time.
Why Cleveland Wants Him-and Why Houston Can’t Afford to Lose Him
Let’s start with the obvious: Jim Schwartz built a top-five defense in Cleveland. With his departure, the Browns have two options-tear it all down and rebuild under a new scheme, or find someone who can keep the machine humming. Enter Cory Undlin, a coach who not only shares schematic DNA with Schwartz but also has a history with Browns offensive coordinator Todd Monken from their days in Jacksonville.
It makes sense for Cleveland. But for Houston? It would be a gut punch.
The “Undlin Effect” Is Real
If you want to understand Undlin’s value, just look at the transformation of Derek Stingley Jr. Once a promising but inconsistent young corner battling injuries, Stingley blossomed into an AP First-Team All-Pro under Undlin’s guidance.
That’s not a coincidence. That’s coaching.
And it doesn’t stop there. The Texans’ secondary recorded 19 interceptions last season-the third-highest total in franchise history.
Rookie Calen Bullock led all NFL rookies in picks, while Kamari Lassiter made the leap from college to pro look effortless. When multiple young players are thriving at the same time, that’s not just raw talent-it’s development.
It’s structure. It’s Undlin.
Letting the architect of that growth walk-especially to a conference rival-wouldn’t just be a loss. It would be a step backward for a group that’s just starting to hit its stride.
Don’t Break Up the Band
The Texans’ defensive resurgence hasn’t been the work of one man. It’s been a collective effort-the Ryans-Burke-Undlin trifecta.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator Matt Burke, and Undlin have built something special. The chemistry between the three has been a driving force behind Houston’s defensive leap in 2025.
Disrupting that now, just as the Texans are entering their Super Bowl window, is a gamble this franchise doesn’t need to take.
Continuity matters, especially on defense. And especially when you’ve got a young, ascending secondary. Changing the voice in that room now could stall the progress of players like Bullock and Lassiter-guys who are just beginning to realize their potential.
The Cost of Winning
This is the price of success. When you build a winning culture, other teams come calling.
First, it was the Cardinals. Now it’s the Browns.
Houston has become a place where coaches grow, thrive, and earn attention-and that’s something to be proud of.
But there’s a difference between being a coaching pipeline and being raided.
The Browns already have the pieces. Myles Garrett and that dominant front don’t need a complete overhaul.
They don’t need Houston’s secondary architect to fix what isn’t broken. But the Texans?
They need Undlin to stay. If Houston is serious about making a deep playoff run in 2026-and all signs point to that being the goal-then keeping this coaching staff intact should be a top priority.
Cory Undlin isn’t just a name on the staff chart. He’s a cornerstone of what’s been built in Houston. And if the Texans want to keep ascending, they can’t afford to let that cornerstone walk out the door.