Browns Down to Three Candidates for Vacant Defensive Coordinator Job

Cleveland narrows search to finalists for key defensive position

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have narrowed their search for a new defensive coordinator to three finalists, who will interview in person this week as the team looks to replace former coordinator Jim Schwartz.

Why it matters

The Browns' defensive coordinator position is a crucial hire as the team aims to improve on the defensive side of the ball and support their new head coach Todd Monken. The three finalists all have previous experience as coordinators or position coaches under respected defensive minds, which could bring valuable expertise to Cleveland’s defense.

The details

According to reports, the three finalists for the Browns' defensive coordinator job are Cory Undlin of the Houston Texans, Mike Rutenberg of the Atlanta Falcons, and current Browns linebackers coach Jason Tarver. Undlin has previous experience as a defensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, while Tarver coordinated the defense for the then-Oakland Raiders. Rutenberg, though never a coordinator, has worked under respected defensive coordinators Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich.

  • The Browns’ search for a new defensive coordinator began after former DC Jim Schwartz submitted his resignation.
  • The three finalists will interview in person with the Browns this week as the team looks to make a decision.

The players

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who is leading the search for a new defensive coordinator.

Jim Schwartz

The former defensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns, who resigned from the position.

Cory Undlin

The passing game specialist with the Houston Texans, who is one of the three finalists for the Browns’ defensive coordinator job.

Mike Rutenberg

The passing game specialist with the Atlanta Falcons, who is one of the three finalists for the Browns’ defensive coordinator job.

Jason Tarver

The current linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns, who is one of the three finalists for the defensive coordinator job.

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What they’re saying

“As the Cleveland Browns search for their new defensive coordinator, they may be wrapping up their process.”

— Mary Kay Cabot, Reporter (Cleveland.com)

What’s next

A decision on the Browns’ new defensive coordinator is expected to be made soon after the in-person interviews with the three finalists this week.

The takeaway

The Browns’ search for a new defensive coordinator has been thorough, with the team narrowing down the candidates to three finalists with previous coordinator or position coach experience under respected defensive minds. This hire will be crucial as the Browns look to improve on the defensive side of the ball under new head coach Todd Monken.