The Cleveland Browns have taken a formal step in their search for a new defensive coordinator, identifying Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as a potential candidate.
ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler reported that Cleveland has requested permission to speak with Rutenberg, a move that immediately places him among the more serious options in this hiring cycle.
Earlier in the offseason, he drew interest from the Tennessee Titans during their coordinator search, though that process ended with Gus Bradley taking the role.
Cleveland’s request suggests that league decision-makers continue to view Rutenberg as a coach on the cusp of a larger opportunity.
His coaching path has been defined by steady progress rather than rapid ascent. Prior to joining the Falcons, Rutenberg spent four seasons with the New York Jets as linebackers coach, where he became part of a defensive staff that quietly built one of the NFL‘s most reliable units.
From 2022 through 2024, the Jets ranked among the league’s top five defenses in total yards allowed in three consecutive seasons, a stretch that helped elevate the reputation of several assistants, including Rutenberg.
Atlanta’s defensive progress and Cleveland’s interest
Atlanta brought Rutenberg onto its staff ahead of the 2025 season, naming him defensive pass game coordinator as the organization looked to stabilize its back end.
Despite facing persistent roster challenges, the Falcons managed to remain competitive against the pass. The defense finished the season ranked 14th in expected points added per pass and 13th in passing yards allowed, numbers that reflected resilience more than dominance.
Those results came under difficult conditions. The Falcons were rarely at full strength in the secondary, with at least one starting outside corner missing time across eight different games.
Injuries forced younger players into prominent roles, increasing the importance of coaching and communication.
One of those young contributors, Xavier Watts, emerged as a standout, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year votes while taking on significant responsibility.
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