Cleveland Browns Promote Three Defensive Coaches

Linebackers coach Jason Tarver, safeties coach Ephraim Banda, and defensive backs coach Brandon Lynch all receive new roles.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns have promoted three members of their defensive coaching staff following the hiring of Mike Rutenberg as the new defensive coordinator. Linebackers coach Jason Tarver has been elevated to run game coordinator, safeties coach Ephraim Banda is now the defensive passing game coordinator, and defensive backs coach Brandon Lynch has been promoted to defensive passing game specialist.

Why it matters

These internal promotions help retain key position coaches and provide Rutenberg with experienced lieutenants as he takes over the Browns' defense. The moves also signal the team’s commitment to developing young defensive talent like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Carson Schwesinger, Grant Delpit, and Ronnie Hickman Jr.

The details

Tarver had success developing Browns linebackers over the past six seasons and will now assist Rutenberg in improving the team’s run defense, which was a weakness in 2022. Banda, a rising defensive coordinator candidate, will work with the secondary alongside Lynch to maximize the potential of players like Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell. The promotions keep the Browns’ defensive coaching staff largely intact despite the departure of former coordinator Jim Schwartz.

  • The Browns hired Mike Rutenberg as their new defensive coordinator this week.
  • The team finalized the three internal promotions on Friday morning.

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 has been promoted to run game coordinator.

Ephraim Banda

The Browns’ safeties coach who has been promoted to defensive passing game coordinator.

Brandon Lynch

The Browns’ defensive backs coach who has been promoted to defensive passing game specialist.

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

A young linebacker developed by Jason Tarver.

Carson Schwesinger

Another young linebacker developed by Jason Tarver.

Grant Delpit

A starting safety developed by Ephraim Banda.

Ronnie Hickman Jr.

An undrafted free agent safety who Ephraim Banda has gotten great value out of.

Denzel Ward

The Browns’ star cornerback who Ephraim Banda and Brandon Lynch will work with.

Tyson Campbell

A cornerback acquired by trade who Ephraim Banda and Brandon Lynch will work with.

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The takeaway

The Browns’ defensive coaching staff shakeup shows the team’s commitment to developing young talent and retaining key position coaches, even after the departure of former coordinator Jim Schwartz. These promotions should provide stability and continuity as new coordinator Mike Rutenberg takes over the defense.