After an abysmal 2025-26 season, the Cleveland Browns and general manager will now look to completely revamp the struggling organization prior to the 2026 NFL season.

The Browns kicked off the offseason with a huge coaching change, as the team ultimately decided to part ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski. This led to the eventual hiring of former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as the team’s next head coach, with the hope that he can install a winning culture in Cleveland.

Throughout the process, Monken and Berry were able to fill out multiple roles on the coaching staff, but the looming question surrounding the defensive coordinator position became the primary concern heading into the offseason.

Since former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and the Browns also ended up parting ways, many were eager to see who would replace him for next season. And now, the fanbase has finally received an answer.

According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler on Monday afternoon, the Browns are set to hire former Atlanta Falcons’ defensive passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg as the team’s next defensive coordinator.

Throughout his time within the NFL, Rutenberg spent his coaching career with multiple different teams. After spending four seasons with the New Mexico State Aggies, the longtime coordinator received his first major gig with the Jacksonville Jaguars back in 2013 as the team’s assistant defensive backs coach.

Rutenberg would then work his way up with the Jaguars, as he was promoted to the defensive assistant position in 2016 and the assistant linebackers coach in 2018. During the 2017 NFL season, he was part of Jacksonville’s incredible playoff run, coaching the likes of former All-Pro linebacker Telvin Smith.

Following his time with the Jaguars, Rutenberg would spend one season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2020 as a passing game specialist, as well as a four-year stint with the New York Jets as a linebackers coach. While in New York, Rutenberg played a key role in the development of linebacker Quincy Williams, who eventually turned into one of the team’s top linebackers.

Most recently, however, Rutenberg was part of the Falcons’ defensive staff last season. Under his influence, Atlanta’s defense allowed an average of 200.4 passing yards per game, which ranked 13th in the NFL.

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