"New Titans head coach Robert Saleh has found an offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll, but the team's D-coordinator position remains open. That may change soon, though, as Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg has emerged as a "leading candidate" to take over as the Titans' DC, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reports. The Titans requested an interview with Rutenberg last week."
"The 44-year-old Rutenberg is coming off his first season in Atlanta, whose pass defense ranked a respectable 13th in the NFL. The Falcons also tied for sixth with 16 interceptions, five of which came from rookie third-round pick Xavier Watts, and 11th in passer rating against (88.2). A few weeks after his productive first season with the Falcons ended, Rutenberg could reunite with Saleh in Tennessee."
"The two already have a long history together that began in Jacksonville over a decade ago. Saleh was the Jaguars' linebackers coach in 2014, and Rutenberg was their assistant defensive backs coach. Six years later, Rutenberg worked under Saleh, then San Francisco's defensive coordinator, as the 49ers' passing game specialist in 2020. Saleh then brought Rutenberg with him to New York when he became the Jets' head coach in 2021."
Mike Rutenberg has emerged as a leading candidate for the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator position, and the Titans requested an interview last week. Rutenberg completed his first season in Atlanta, where the Falcons' pass defense ranked 13th, tied for sixth with 16 interceptions, and posted an 88.2 passer rating against. He has a long working relationship with Robert Saleh that dates back to Jacksonville and includes stints with the 49ers and Jets. Rutenberg coached linebackers, defensive backs, and passing-game units but has not previously been a defensive coordinator at the college or pro level. Saleh plans to retain play-calling duties in 2026.
Read at Pro Football Rumors
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