The Cleveland Browns have requested permission to interview New York Giants outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen for their vacant defensive coordinator position, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Bullen, who joined the Giants in 2024 as outside linebackers coach, stepped into the interim defensive coordinator role after Shane Bowen’s midseason firing under then-interim head coach Mike Kafka.
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In his brief tenure during the final games, Bullen revitalized a struggling Giants defense, shifting to a more aggressive scheme that generated consistent pressure, mixed coverages effectively, and unlocked the potential of rookies like linebacker Abdul Carter alongside stars Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence. The unit returned to playing up to traditional Giants standards, earning praise for its improved performance despite limited wins.
Bullen described serving as DC as a “great honor and privilege,” focusing on hard work and player development rather than external validation. His success drew widespread interest, including prior interview requests from the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals.
Under new Giants head coach John Harbaugh, Bullen was retained on staff — amid a broader coaching purge — but primarily as outside linebackers coach.
Teams cannot block promotional interviews, positioning Bullen as a rising candidate for full-time coordinator opportunities. The Browns, under head coach Todd Monken following Jim Schwartz’s resignation, are casting a wide net in their search.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Browns request interview with Giants’ Charlie Bullen for DC job