Feb. 9, 2026, 8:11 p.m. ET
The Cleveland Browns have requested an interview with Atlanta Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg for their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Rutenberg previously interviewed for the Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator opening under new head coach Robert Saleh but reportedly finished as the runner up to Gus Bradley. The Falcons pass defense took a major step forward in 2025, ranking first in the NFL in passing yards allowed for a brief stretch but finished 15th overall.
Prior to joining Atlanta’s staff in 2025, Rutenberg was the linebackers coach for the New York Jets under Saleh and Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich for four seasons (2021-2024). Rutenberg also spent seven seasons as an assistant with Jacksonville Jaguars (2013-2019) where he coached defensive backs and linebackers.
The Browns are looking for a new defensive coordinator after Jim Schwartz stepped down last week. Schwartz was in the mix for the team’s head coaching vacancy but lost out on the job to Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
The Falcons hired former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski but retained defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and most of the team’s defensive staff. Rutenberg will likely be back in Atlanta next season if he doesn’t land the gig with the Browns.
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