The Browns are beginning to cast a wider net in their search for a new defensive coordinator, and their latest target brings a mix of NFL experience and recent momentum. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Cleveland has requested an interview with Giants outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen for the role.
This marks the first known external candidate the Browns have pursued since Jim Schwartz stepped down as DC. Internally, they've already spoken with safeties coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jason Tarver. But Bullen represents a fresh voice from outside the building-and one with a resume that’s steadily built toward this kind of opportunity.
At 41, Bullen has been grinding through the coaching ranks for nearly two decades. He got his start as an assistant at Iowa back in 2007, then made the leap to the NFL with the Dolphins in 2012. He spent several years in Miami before heading to Arizona in 2019, where he was elevated to outside linebackers coach the following season.
After a brief stop at Illinois in 2023, Bullen landed with the Giants as their OLB coach in 2024. But it didn’t take long for him to take on more responsibility. When the Giants fired defensive coordinator Shane Bowen in November, Bullen was promoted to interim DC-a move that signaled the organization’s confidence in his leadership and defensive acumen.
Now, he’s drawing interest from multiple teams. In addition to the Browns, Bullen is also in the mix for the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator job under new head coach Mike LaFleur.
For Cleveland, this is a pivotal moment. The defense took major strides under Schwartz, and whoever steps in next will inherit a unit loaded with talent-especially up front. The Browns aren’t just looking for a play-caller; they need someone who can keep building on a foundation that’s already among the league’s best.
Bullen’s track record developing edge talent and his recent experience running a defense-even in an interim capacity-make him a compelling candidate. Whether he lands in Cleveland, Arizona, or elsewhere, it’s clear he’s on the radar for teams looking to energize their defensive identity.