Source: Browns hire Falcons’ Rutenberg to replace Schwartz as DC

cleveland browns are hiring atlanta falcons A league source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that defensive passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg will be their next defensive coordinator.

The 44-year-old Rutenberg replaces Jim Schwartz, who served in the role for the past three seasons but resigned after being handed the head coaching job in favor of Todd Monken.

This will be Rutenberg’s first stint as a defensive coordinator. He finished his first season in Atlanta after four seasons as linebackers coach. 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 passing in the league. The unit is headlined by the two-time Defensive Player of the Year miles garrettFive-time Pro Bowler denzel ward and Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger.

Monken said in his introductory press conference that he did not expect Cleveland’s defensive scheme to change. Browns co-owner Jimmy Haslam said that “overall” he expects most of the Browns’ defensive starters and defensive coaching staff to return for the 2026 season.

Rutenberg, a Cornell graduate and native of Washington, DC, got his start in the NFL as a player personnel intern. Washington in 2003. He worked as an administrative assistant to head coach Joe Gibbs before working as a graduate assistant at UCLA from 2006 to 2008. Rutenberg then worked as the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach at New Mexico State from 2009 to 2012.

In 2013, Rutenberg returned to the NFL as an assistant defensive backs coach. jacksonville jaguars From 2013 to 2015. He then served as a defensive assistant for the next two seasons before being promoted to assistant linebackers coach, a role he held for two seasons. Rutenberg joined in 2020 san francisco 49ers As a game expert near them.