It seems that this time the Cleveland Browns are ready to take things more seriously. After Kevin Stefanski saw the team slip away in his final seasons at the helm, the arrival of Todd Monken signals what appears to be a complete reset.
This offseason has already been very active for the Browns, who have begun moving pieces early in an effort to secure a competitive roster for the 2026 season.
That is why they quickly found their new head coach in Todd Monken, and with him in charge, they immediately started searching for a new defensive coordinator. According to Tom Pelissero, they have already appointed their new defensive boss.
Mike Rutenberg arrives in Cleveland as defensive coordinator
While the Browns have struggled on offense, the situation has been the complete opposite on defense. With one of the best defenders in the entire league, Myles Garrett, the team has remained competitive on that side of the ball.
Although they still have a long way to go before becoming elite, they are at least on the map, largely thanks to what Garrett does. Now, for the new 44-year-old defensive coordinator, the challenge will be enormous.
Mike Rutenberg’s path through the NFL
Rutenberg was born in Washington, D.C., and attended the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland. He went to college at Cornell University from 1999 to 2002, where he played sprint football at linebacker for the Big Red.
His entry into the NFL came quickly, almost immediately after finishing college. He joined the Washington Commanders in 2003 as a player personnel intern.
He spent only one year in that role before being promoted to administrative assistant to head coach Joe Gibbs, a position he held for two seasons.
During his time working closely with Gibbs, he was considered his right-hand man. His work spoke for itself.
Putting together the team’s daily calendar, practice schedules and meeting presentations, [and working] hand-in-hand with Gibbs to research opponents from a statistical standpoint.
From that moment on, he began to grow and became a valuable figure on the defensive side of the game.
Mike Rutenberg’s coaching experience
Since that now distant 2003 season, when he began his coaching career, his path has included several stops, including time in the college ranks.
- 2003: Washington (NFL) — Player personnel intern
- 2004 to ’05: Washington (NFL) — Administrative assistant to the head coach
- 2006 to ’08: UCLA (NCAA) — Graduate assistant
- 2009 to ’12: New Mexico State (NCAA) — Passing game coordinator, DBs coach
- 2013 to ’15: Jaguars (NFL) — Assistant defensive backs coach
- 2016 to ’17: Jaguars (NFL) — Defensive assistant
- 2018 to ’19: Jaguars (NFL) — Assistant linebackers coach
- 2020: 49ers (NFL) — Passing game specialist
- 2021 to ’24: Jets (NFL) — Linebackers coach
- 2025: Falcons (NFL) — Defensive pass game coordinator
He has experience working under Robert Saleh and Gus Bradley and uses front-seven elements similar to those employed by Schwartz.
I’d expect that to remain intact.”…”The Browns were impressed with Rutenberg’s knowledge of all three levels of the defense and ability to add some wrinkles.
ESPN reporter Daniel Oyefusi said.
The Browns hope he can spark a full defensive revolution and allow them to maximize the immense talent of Myles Garrett.
Read the full article here
