Feb. 12, 2026, 12:19 p.m. CT
Could the Houston Texans lose a member of their defensive staff in the coming weeks?
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin is a candidate for the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator job and has talked with new head coach Todd Monken. A formal interview could be conducted in the coming weeks.
Undlin, 54, has served as a defensive coordinator in the past as a member of the Detroit Lions in 2020. He also has strong ties to Monken from their time together with the Jacksonville Jaguars between 2009-10.
Undlin, who joined the Texans in 2023 under DeMeco Ryans following their time together with the San Francisco 49ers, has been instrumental to the Texans’ top-ranked secondary over the past two years. He’s been a key assest, primarily assisting in the development of All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr., Pro Bowl corner Kamari Lassiter and Pro Bowl safety Calen Bullock.
According to Wilson, the Browns’ plan under Monken is run the same system that former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has in place. Schwartz, who was a finalist for the job, resigned after Moken was hired in place of Kevin Stefanski.
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Undlin, who worked under Schwartz with the Philadelphia Eagles for several seasons, could keep a similar approach for a unit headlined by NFL Defensive Player of the Year and star pass rusher Myles Garrett and Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger.
Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso was expected to interview for the opening before removing his name from all defensive coordinator jobs to return to NRG Stadium.
The Texans own the No. 28 pick in the upcoming NFL draft.