Much like the Cleveland Browns head coach search, new HC Todd Monken’s search for a new defensive coordinator to replace Jim Schwartz is not a fast one. Monken made it clear during his introductory press conference that hurrying a decision on staff was not his plan, despite the 2026 NFL offseason starting quickly after the end of the Super Bowl.
So far, a lot of names have been reported as either having interviewed, talked with Monken, or being of interest for Cleveland’s defensive coordinator role. Most recently, Cory Undlin was scheduled for an interview with Monken. That follows reports that internal candidates Jason Tarber and Ephraim Banda had spoken with Monken about the job.
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Mary Kay Cabot has added that Atlanta Falcons pass game coordinator Mike Ruttenberg is also scheduled for an in-person interview on Sunday:
Ruttenberg is a holdover on the Falcons defensive staff under DC Jeff Ulbrich. Former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski retained the defensive staff in his second head coaching position.
Rutenberg joined Atlanta last season after four years with the New York Jets as their linebackers coach under Robert Saleh. Rutenberg was with the Jacksonville Jaguars for seven seasons, then the San Francisco 49ers for a year prior to his time with the Jets. After one year coaching under Joe Gibbs in Washington, Ruttenberg spent seven seasons coaching at the college level, including at UCLA, New Mexico State, and San Diego (his lone time as a coordinator).