Browns set to interview Jeff Ulbrich understudy for vacant DC role

[ASFN Admin]

The Cleveland Browns have requested their fourth candidate of the day as they continue to search for their new defensive coordinator following the resignation of Jim Schwartz. Atlanta Falcons passing game coordinator Mike Rutenberg is the latest name to add to the list of candidates.

Rutenberg has spent plenty of time working for the well-respected and current Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. The two have been together since Ulbrich's first stint under head coach Robert Saleh with the New York Jets. Rutenberg was also an assistant under Saleh with the San Francisco 49ers as well.

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. https://t.co/YFE8cvKKUP

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 9, 2026

While Rutenberg has never been a defensive coordinator at any level, he has plenty of passing game coordinator experience. He has been a passing game coordinator under both Saleh in San Francisco and Ulbrich in Atlanta.

This now brings the Browns' list of defensive coordinator candidates to six. They first interviewed internal candidates, linebackers coach Jason Tarver and safeties coach Ephraim Banda, New York Giants assistant Charlie Bullen, Carolina Panthers assistant Jonathan Culley, Los Angeles Rams assistant Aubrey Pleasant, and Rutenberg.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns set to interview Jeff Ulbrich understudy for vacant DC role

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