Mike Rutenberg faces a tall task of replacing Jim Schwartz as the Browns defensive coordinator.
Getty
Mike Rutenberg faces a tall task of replacing Jim Schwartz as the Browns defensive coordinator.
Mike Rutenberg has big shoes to fill as he looks to replace Jim Schwartz as the Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator.
Schwartz resigned from his post with the Browns after being passed over for the head coaching job in favor of Todd Monken. After a brief search, the Browns settled on Rutenberg to run their defense.
Rutenberg began his NFL coaching career in 2013 as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He remained in Jacksonville through 2019, also serving as a defensive assistant and assistant linebackers coach.
Rutenberg later worked as a passing game specialist for the San Francisco 49ers in 2020, then spent four seasons as linebackers coach with the New York Jets from 2021-24. He most recently worked with the Atlanta Falcons as their defensive pass game coordinator.
For Rutenberg, it will be about relationships as he takes on the task of replacing Schwartz.
“Any new opportunity is about building relationships, right? And relationships come from the heart. So we’re going to build relationships. I’m going to learn about the players, learn about the coaches, share my story and learn their story,” Rutenberg said. “And whatever is important to the players, I want to learn about them. Whether it’s their families, whether it’s football, any outside interests, I’m going to dive right in and build those relationships.”
Rutenberg Has Not Spoken With Browns Star Myles Garrett Face-to-Face
Rutenberg takes over a Browns defense that is one of the NFL’s most talented units, anchored by perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Myles Garrett. Cleveland finished fourth in the league in total defense last season, allowing just 283.6 yards per game, and ranked among the top pass defenses in the NFL. The Browns consistently generated pressure up front, building their identity around Garrett and a deep defensive front.
Rutenberg said he is eager to get to work with Garrett, though the two have yet to meet in person.
“We have not spoken face to face. We’ve both been traveling a lot, and I cannot wait to meet him and learn from him,” Rutenberg said. “Obviously, amazing amount of respect for him as a player and all the great things I’ve heard about him as a person.”
Browns DC Mike Rutenberg Not Feeling the Pressure
Rutenberg also benefits from continuity on the coaching staff following Schwartz’s departure. Several assistants remain in place, including run game coordinator/linebackers coach Jason Tarver, pass game coordinator Ephraim Banda and defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire.
Rutenberg acknowledged the foundation already in place while emphasizing his desire to play violently and build strong relationships.
“First of all, I feel very fortunate to be part of this unit. I feel very fortunate to work with the staff who coached this unit and then feel very fortunate to work with these players who have achieved great things,” Rutenberg said. “It’s about building the relationships, getting us to play as hard as fast and violent. … It’s always going to be the same approach of building the relationships and helping the players be as successful as they possibly want to be on Sundays.”
With a talented core still intact and key pieces of the defensive staff returning, Rutenberg has a good shot to keep the unit humming.