The 2026 Cleveland Browns season hasn’t even started, but the organizational blueprint is already looking suspiciously similar of the failures that came before it. Instead of new head coach Todd Monken being empowered to build his own staff, the long process to hire Mike Rutenberg as defensive coordinator suggests that GM Andrew Berry is still the one in control of the hiring.
Browns analyst Tony Grossi didn’t hold back on ESPN Cleveland, noting that the length of this search was the first major red flag. "It smells like the same process they used to hire the head coach," Grossi remarked, highlighting that Berry’s preference for "long, drawn-out" committee-style searches seems to have interfered with Monken’s ability to simply "pick his guy."
If Monken wasn't allowed control to select his own staff then an exasperated Grossi explained, "If that's the case, this new staff is doomed to fail."
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The Mike Rutenberg Hire
The connection between Monken and Rutenberg stems from their time together in Tampa Bay, but the delayed hiring decision suggests front office meddling. Especially when the new HC said in his introductory press conference that they will keep the same Schwartz defensive system.
Rutenberg has no attachment to Schwartz or his scheme directly. Either Monken wasn't being sincere, or Berry pulled a power play to hire another Ivy League educated employee.
Pros Cons
Monken Connection: Deep familiarity with Monken's aggressive philosophy from their Tampa years. Zero DC Experience: Rutenberg has never called plays at the NFL level as a coordinator.
Pass-Game Specialist: Strong reputation for evolving modern defensive schemes against elite QBs. Process Over Person: The hiring delay implies he may have been a compromise candidate, not a first choice.
A Repeat of the Past?
The biggest concern in Berea is whether this possible interference is a sign of things to come for the roster. Grossi’s comments point to a brewing power struggle, questioning if Monken will have a limited say on what quarterbacks make the roster, much like the rumors that swirled around Kevin Stefanski’s tenure.
If the front office is already dictating the coaching search, the fear is that they will also dictate the depth chart. For a franchise desperate for a fresh start in 2026, the smell of the "same old process" is a bad omen.
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