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. He just finished his first season in Atlanta after four seasons as linebackers coach for the New York Jets.
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.
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