Browns Eyeing Texans Assistant for DC Job

Cleveland is conducting in-person interviews for their defensive coordinator vacancy, including Texans pass-game coordinator Cory Undlin.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Cleveland Browns are looking to fill their defensive coordinator vacancy and have their eyes on Houston Texans assistant Cory Undlin. Undlin, the Texans' defensive pass game coordinator, is one of several candidates the Browns are interviewing in-person this weekend as they search for their next defensive play-caller under new head coach Todd Monkin.

Why it matters

The Browns' defensive coordinator position is a key hire as they look to improve on the defensive side of the ball. Undlin has experience as a defensive assistant in the NFL, including a previous stint with the Browns, and could be a strong candidate to join Monkin's staff in Cleveland.

The details

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Browns are conducting in-person interviews this weekend with Undlin, as well as Cleveland linebackers coach Jason Tarver and Falcons pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Undlin has spent the last three seasons as part of the Texans' defensive staff under DeMeco Ryans, and was part of the coaching collective behind one of the league's best defenses this past season.

  • The Browns are conducting in-person interviews this weekend for their defensive coordinator vacancy.

The players

Cory Undlin

The Houston Texans' defensive pass game coordinator who is a candidate for the Cleveland Browns' defensive coordinator job.

Todd Monkin

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns who is searching for a defensive coordinator.

Jim Schwartz

The previous defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns who has departed the team.

DeMeco Ryans

The head coach of the Houston Texans, under whom Cory Undlin has served as the defensive pass game coordinator.

Jeremy Fowler

An ESPN reporter who broke the news of the Browns' defensive coordinator interviews.

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What they’re saying

“Browns conducting in-person defensive coordinator interviews this weekend, including Texans pass-game coordinator Cory Undlin. Cleveland linebackers coach Jason Tarver and Falcons pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg also remain firmly in the mix.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The Browns will continue their in-person interviews this weekend as they look to fill their defensive coordinator vacancy. Cory Undlin's performance in the interview process will determine if he is offered the job or if the Browns move in a different direction.

The takeaway

The Browns' search for a new defensive coordinator is a critical hire as they look to improve on that side of the ball. Cory Undlin's experience as a defensive assistant, including a previous stint with the Browns, makes him an intriguing candidate, but he will have to impress in the interview process to land the job.