The Cleveland Browns have their head coach and, in a twist that surprised no one, brought themselves a heap of drama and embarrassment in the process. Hiring Todd Monken, the former offensive coordinator of the Ravens, was not in itself a bad decision, but the process went off the rails in the wake of the decision having been made–former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz thought he’d be getting the job, stormed out angrily, and eventually resigned his post.
Now, the Browns are heading into the meat of February with the NFL combine approaching and no defensive coordinator on staff.
But the team is apparently looking to pluck a candidate from old friend Kevin Stefanski, who just took the Atlanta Falcons job after having been fired by the Browns the day after the season ended. According to ESPN, the Browns are seeking an interview with Mike Rutenberg.
Browns Seeking Interview With Mike Rutenberg of Kevin Stefanski’s Staff
As Jeremy Fowler, one of the network’s insiders, wrote on Twitter/X: “Browns have requested to interview Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator Mike Rutenberg for their defensive coordinator job, per source. Rutenberg was the No. 2 for the Tennessee DC job that went to Gus Bradley.”
Rutenberg has never been a coordinator before, but is just 44 years old and considered an up-and-coming talent with potential to handle a DC’s role. He has not worked with Monken directly before.
The Browns are not in a hurry to add a new defensive coordinator, as they scour the coaching ranks for a suitable replacement for Schwartz. Because Monken said during his introductory press conference that the team would continue to run Schwartz’s defense this season, there was an expectation that the Browns could hire from within and, indeed, linebackers coach Jason Tarver and safeties coach Ephraim Banda have already had interviews.
But the Browns are looking elsewhere, too. Rutenberg will get consideration, and the team has gotten an interview with Rams passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant and New York Giants assistant coach Charlie Bullen.
The Browns’ opening has also been linked to Cory Undlin of the Texans, who worked with Monken during their time with the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jim Schwartz System Expected to Stay in Place
While the Browns’ head-coaching job was not exactly desirable, the defensive coordinator’s job could be another story. Schwartz was popular among his players and did much to facilitate the development of underutilized players (Devin Bush, Maliek Collins), leaving behind a unit that ranked No. 2 in Pro Football Focus’s defensive grade rankings.
As Monken said earlier this month, having been the Ravens’ offensive coordinator against the Browns, he appreciates the system.
“It’s been a (expletive), I apologize, to go against his defense six times over the last three years,” Monken said. “Schematically, and more importantly the players. Because ultimately, it’s a player’s game – that’s what it is. It’s our job as coaches to develop systems that allow your players to play fast.
“That’s what you saw all the time with the guys that are here and the players that we have. But at the end of the day, I say this all the time, from an offensive or defensive perspective, it starts with having elite players and then having an elite coaching staff with you. And then you can call the game freely because of that, because of the talent you have, and then because of the coaches that help it come to life. You know, that’s what makes a coordinator elite – it’s not one individual person.”
Browns Seek to Poach Kevin Stefanski Assistant as Defensive Coordinator