Cleveland Browns Promote CB Coach to Defensive Backs Coach

Brandon Lynch will take on a larger role in the team's secondary.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have promoted cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch to defensive backs coach and defensive pass game specialist. Lynch joined the Browns in 2020 as an assistant defensive backs coach and has drawn interest from other teams in the past, including an interview for the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator position in 2024.

Why it matters

The Browns' defensive coaching staff has remained relatively stable compared to the offensive side, and Lynch's promotion indicates the team's confidence in his ability to develop and lead the secondary. His experience as a former NFL player and his work with cornerbacks like Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell make him a valuable asset to the team's defensive coaching staff.

The details

Lynch started his coaching career in 2010 as an NFLPA coaching intern with Wilmington College. He received his first taste of coaching at the professional level in 2013 when he earned a Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship with the Minnesota Vikings. Lynch played in the NFL for three seasons, first as a safety with the Tennessee Titans (2004), and then as a cornerback and safety for the Indianapolis Colts for two seasons (2005 to 2006). He finished his professional career in the Canadian Football League, playing two seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2007 to 2009).

  • Brandon Lynch joined the Browns as an assistant defensive backs coach in 2020.
  • In 2024, Lynch interviewed for the Tennessee Titans' defensive coordinator position.

The players

Brandon Lynch

The new defensive backs coach and defensive pass game specialist for the Cleveland Browns, who has worked with the team's cornerbacks since 2020.

Denzel Ward

A cornerback for the Cleveland Browns who has been part of Lynch's coaching group.

Tyson Campbell

A cornerback acquired by the Browns midway through the 2025 season, who Lynch helped transition to the team.

Todd Monken

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who hired Mike Rutenberg as the team's new defensive coordinator.

Mike Rutenberg

The new defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, hired by head coach Todd Monken.

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The takeaway

The Browns' decision to promote Brandon Lynch to a larger role in the secondary shows their confidence in his ability to develop and lead the team's defensive backs. His experience as a former NFL player and his work with cornerbacks like Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell make him a valuable asset to the team's defensive coaching staff.