The Cleveland Browns have filled their defensive coordinator vacancy following the resignation of Jim Schwartz, according to several reports, hiring Atlanta Falcons defensive passing game coordinator and Montgomery County native Mike Rutenberg for the role.
Rutenberg, a 1999 graduate of Landon School in Bethesda, returns to the spotlight after being named the Falcons’ defensive pass game coordinator a little more than a year ago. He joined Atlanta after four seasons with the New York Jets, where he served as linebackers coach from 2021 through 2024 and established himself as one of the league’s most respected defensive teachers.
During his time with the Jets, Rutenberg was part of a defense that ranked in the top five in total defense in three consecutive seasons from 2022 to 2024. Over that stretch, New York led the NFL in both total defense and passing defense, while also ranking near the top in sacks, tackles for loss, and scoring defense. In 2024 alone, the Jets finished third in total defense and fourth in passing defense, allowing just 192.6 yards per game through the air.
Rutenberg played a key role in the development of several standout linebackers during his tenure in New York. Quincy Williams earned First Team All-Pro and Team MVP honors in 2023, becoming the only defensive First Team All-Pro since 2000 to join his team via a waiver claim. Team captain C.J. Mosley recorded three consecutive seasons with at least 150 tackles from 2021 through 2023, earning multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors under Rutenberg’s guidance. In multiple seasons, Rutenberg coached linebacker duos that ranked among the league’s most productive, both surpassing 100 tackles in the same year.
Beyond regular-season success, Rutenberg served as the National Team’s defensive coordinator at the 2022 Senior Bowl, further highlighting his growing reputation within coaching circles.
Prior to his time with the Jets, Rutenberg spent the 2020 season with the San Francisco 49ers as a passing game specialist, helping the defense finish fourth in the NFL in passing defense. His earlier coaching stops included roles at UCLA, New Mexico State, and the University of San Diego, where he served as defensive coordinator, before returning to the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars in a series of defensive coaching roles.
Rutenberg began his NFL career in Washington as a player personnel intern before working as a football assistant to head coach Joe Gibbs. A graduate of Cornell University, he played spring football while completing his degree.
Rutenberg and his wife, Stacey, have two children, a daughter, Laney, and a son, Luke.
