Dom Capers to Cleveland: What adding the legendary coach means for Browns 2026 defense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A significant chess move just happened on the Browns defensive side of the ball. It was announced Tuesday that the club is hiring legendary DC Dom Capers as a senior defensive assistant. This is a huge addition to first time coordinator Mike Rutenberg’s staff as Capers can act as a mentor with encyclopaedia level knowledge of the NFL.
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Make no mistake, Rutenberg will be calling the shots on “D”, but to be able to lean on someone like Capers is a major value add. Here are the three ways the veteran coach will benefit Cleveland in 2026:
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1. Top Tier Mentorship
Rutenberg arrives with an exceptional understanding of the secondary, but he’s never called plays in the NFL. Capers is the ultimate safety net advisor. With over 40 years of NFL experience, a Super Bowl ring, and two stints as a head coach (Panthers, Texans), Capers provides the seasoned wisdom needed to help manage an elite defense.
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2. No Step Back for Stars
There was a valid fear that Myles Garrett (coming off a record-breaking 23-sack season) and Denzel Ward would lose momentum after Jim Schwartz’s exit. Capers puts those fears to rest. His resume includes coaching 30-plus All-Pros and 48 Pro Bowlers. Garrett and Ward can rest assured that Rutenberg will be getting Hall of Fame level advice.
3. Exotic Pressure Packages
While the Browns will maintain their aggressive 4-2-5 base, expect Capers to sprinkle in his signature zone-blitz wrinkles to Rutenberg’s play calls. After ranking fourth in yards allowed last year, adding Capers’ background of exotic pressures will give Cleveland’s defense a freshening up, while keeping the core scheme intact.
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