"The Cleveland Browns are hiring Atlanta Falcons defensive passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg to be their next defensive coordinator, a league source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Rutenberg, 44, replaces Jim Schwartz, who served in the role for the past three seasons but resigned after being passed over for the head coaching job in favor of Todd Monken. This will mark Rutenberg's first stint as a defensive coordinator."
"Rutenberg will take over a defense that has been one of the league's best under Schwartz. In 2025, the Browns ranked fourth in total defense, allowing 283.6 yards per game. Over the past three seasons, Cleveland has allowed the fewest yards in the league. The unit is headlined by two-time Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, five-time Pro Bowler Denzel Ward and Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger."
Mike Rutenberg, 44, will be the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator, replacing Jim Schwartz after Schwartz resigned when passed over for the head coaching job. This will be Rutenberg's first defensive coordinator role after serving as Atlanta's defensive passing game coordinator and four seasons as the New York Jets linebackers coach. The Browns ranked fourth in total defense in 2025, allowing 283.6 yards per game, and allowed the fewest yards in the league over the past three seasons. The defense features Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Carson Schwesinger. Head coach Todd Monken does not anticipate changing the defensive scheme, and co-owner Jimmy Haslam expects most defensive starters and coaches to return for 2026.
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]