Browns Defensive Players Embrace New Coordinator Mike Rutenberg

Cleveland cornerback Tyson Campbell says the team's response to the new hire has been 'great'.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:16pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football field and players in the official colors of the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons, conceptually representing the new defensive coordinator's schematic approach.The Browns' defensive players embrace the new geometric, cubist-inspired coaching approach of coordinator Mike Rutenberg.Cleveland Today

When the Cleveland Browns hired Mike Rutenberg as their new defensive coordinator, cornerback Tyson Campbell didn't know much about him. So Campbell reached out to some former teammates who had played under Rutenberg in Atlanta to get a better sense of the new coach. According to Campbell, the Browns' defensive players have responded very positively to Rutenberg's arrival.

Why it matters

The Browns' defense struggled at times last season, so the hiring of Rutenberg as the new coordinator is a key offseason move for the team. How the defensive players adapt to Rutenberg's coaching and schemes will be crucial to the Browns' success in the upcoming season.

The details

Tyson Campbell, a cornerback for the Browns, said he reached out to some former teammates who had played under Rutenberg in Atlanta to learn more about the new defensive coordinator. Campbell said the response from the Browns' defensive players to Rutenberg's arrival has been 'great' so far.

  • Rutenberg was hired as the Browns' new defensive coordinator in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Tyson Campbell

A cornerback for the Cleveland Browns.

Mike Rutenberg

The new defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, hired in the 2026 offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I knew a couple guys that were in Atlanta with him,”

— Tyson Campbell, Cleveland Browns cornerback

The takeaway

The Browns' defensive players seem to be embracing the arrival of new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg, which is a positive sign as the team looks to improve its defensive performance in the upcoming season.