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Browns have hired a new defensive coordinator

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Feb 16, 2026 4:04 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns have hired a new defensive coordinator to replace Jim Schwartz.

Former Atlanta Falcons pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg is being hired as the new Browns defensive coordinator, according to reports. Rutenberg is a longtime Robert Saleh assistant who has also worked as a passing game specialist and linebackers coach.

The Browns are hiring Mike Rutenberg as their defensive coordinator, sources tell The Insiders.

A high-energy assistant, Rutenberg has trained under Robert Saleh and Jeff Ulbrich and most recently was the Falcons’ defensive pass game coordinator. pic.twitter.com/Imi8u4ghkV
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 16, 2026

Rutenberg got his first NFL job in 2003 and has remained in the league with the exception of coaching stints at UCLA and New Mexico State. He initially served as Joe Gibbs’ personal assistant in Washington, and also spent significant time working for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Rutenberg has large shoes to fill. Schwartz has done an outstanding job with Cleveland’s defense for the past few years, but left the organization after he was passed over for the head coaching job. Todd Monken was hired instead, and while Monken wanted to keep Schwartz, Schwartz had other ideas.

The good news for Rutenberg is he will have arguably the NFL’s best defensive player at his disposal in Myles Garrett. Garrett did not appear happy with Schwartz’s exit, however, so there may be some smoothing over to do.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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