Todd Monken's search for Cleveland Browns new defensive coordinator appears imminent as three finalists emerge
One of the biggest ripples of Todd Monken being selected as the Cleveland Browns' new head coach, was the sudden departure of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who officially submitted his letter of resignation to the team last week.
Monken's search for Schwartz's replacement is reportedly nearing its end after he held at least a trio of in-person interviews over the weekend.
As Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported, Houston Texans defensive pass-game coordinator Cory Undlin, Atlanta Falcons' defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg and Browns' current linebacker coach Jason Tarver are all very much in play for the role.
A final decision is expected to be made in the coming days.
During his introductory press conference, Monken made it clear that he wasn't going to rush filling out his coaching staff, the DC role included.
"I mean we’re going to vet as many candidates as we can to get it right," said Monken at the time. When I was the head coach at Southern Miss, we lost a coach and Pete Golding, who’s now the head coach at Ole Miss, he was our eighth safety interview, our eighth.
"Our D-coordinator was absolutely livid of why it took so long. We didn’t get the right hire; we hadn’t found it yet. I think, just like they all vetted for the head coach coaching position, don’t get worn out – make sure you get the right people at the start, and that’s what we’re going to do. So, there is no timeline to get it right."
As for the candidates, Undlin has been a leader in the clubhouse of sorts when it comes to this role, having coached with Monken as part of Jack Del Rio's staff with the Jacksonville Jaguars between 2009-2010.
Undlin is also considered a Schwartz disciple, having served as defensive backs coach under him with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2016-2019. That means he comes with some valuable knowledge of Schwartz's system, which Monken wants to keep in place.
Obviously, Tarver has experience with Schwartz's philosophy, having served as the Browns linebackers coach under him these last three years. Tarver also has previous experience as a DC, holding that job for the then Oakland Raiders from 2012-2014.
As for Rutenberg, he has no previous coaching experience with Schwartz or Monken and like Undlin, has never been the outright DC, but has bounced between the college and the NFL coaching ranks for over 20 years.
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