Browns, Falcons' Mike Rutenberg Reportedly Agree to DC Contract After Jim Schwartz Exit

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly found their replacement for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz following his departure from the team.

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Browns are hiring Atlanta Falcons pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as the defensive coordinator under first-year head coach Todd Monken.

Pelissero noted that Rutenberg trained under Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh, serving as his linebackers coach during his tenure as head coach of the New York Jets. He followed defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich to the Falcons for the 2025 season and was promoted to defensive pass game coordinator.

Under Rutenberg's direction, Atlanta ranked 13th in the NFL with 200.4 passing yards allowed per game and tied for fifth with 16 interceptions. Conversely, the team ranked 24th in the league with 126.2 rushing yards allowed per game.

Rutenberg will have a tough act to follow in Cleveland, as Schwartz built the Browns' defense into a formidable unit that was among the league's best in 2025. Schwartz departed the team after interviewing for the head coach opening and being passed over in favor of Monken. ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi reported that he's "likely to sit out the 2026 season" due to having one more year on his contract that allows Cleveland to block him from taking a job as another team's DC.

After rounding out Monken's coaching staff by hiring Rutenberg, the Browns will now turn their attention to attacking free agency and preparing for the 2026 NFL draft.