Cleveland Browns Promote Three Defensive Coaches

The team elevated key position coaches to new coordinator roles to support new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cleveland Browns have promoted three members of their defensive coaching staff - linebackers coach Jason Tarver, safeties coach Ephraim Banda, and defensive backs coach Brandon Lynch - to new coordinator positions. Tarver was named run game coordinator, Banda was promoted to defensive passing game coordinator, and Lynch was elevated to defensive passing game specialist. These moves come after the Browns hired Atlanta Falcons passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as their new defensive coordinator this week.

Why it matters

The promotions of Tarver, Banda, and Lynch keep key position coaches involved with the organization in elevated roles, which is a common trend across the NFL as teams look to modernize their coaching staffs. The moves also provide Rutenberg with experienced coordinators to support him in his first season as defensive coordinator, especially in areas like stopping the run and maximizing the talent in the Browns' secondary.

The details

Tarver had great success as the Browns' linebackers coach over the past six seasons, developing young stars like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Carson Schwesinger. As run game coordinator, he will now assist Rutenberg in improving the team's run defense, which was a weakness in the second half of last season. Banda, who was a rising defensive coordinator candidate, was promoted to defensive passing game coordinator and will work closely with Lynch, the new defensive passing game specialist, to get the most out of the talented Browns secondary led by Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell. The Browns wanted to retain these three key position coaches after the departure of former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

  • On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Browns finalized the three internal promotions.

The players

Mike Rutenberg

The new defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, previously the passing game coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.

Jason Tarver

The Browns' linebackers coach who was promoted to run game coordinator.

Ephraim Banda

The Browns' safeties coach who was promoted to defensive passing game coordinator.

Brandon Lynch

The Browns' defensive backs coach who was promoted to defensive passing game specialist.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Browns will look to add a nickel cornerback or additional safety in the upcoming NFL Draft to further bolster their secondary and give the new defensive coaching staff more resources to work with.

The takeaway

The Browns' internal promotions of Tarver, Banda, and Lynch demonstrate the team's commitment to retaining key defensive position coaches and providing new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg with experienced coordinators to support him in his first season. These moves also show the Browns' desire to modernize their coaching staff and maximize the talent on their defense.