CLEVELAND — The replacements for Jim Schwartz are narrowing, and one name has separated himself from the pack. According to NFL insider Albert Breer, Houston Texans defensive passing-game coordinator Cory Undlin is now the “clear frontrunner” to take over the Cleveland Browns defense.
Speaking on 92.3 The Fan this morning, Breer didn’t mince words about who new head coach Todd Monken is targeting to run his defense in 2026.
The Monken Connection
“If you’re looking for a leader in the clubhouse, it’s Cory Undlin,” Breer said. The intel points directly to a pre-existing relationship between the two coaches that dates back over a decade.
Undlin and Monken aren’t strangers; they shared a sideline with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and that familiarity is reportedly the driving force behind this potential hire. Monken, who took the reins in Cleveland just last week, has made it clear he wants to maintain the aggressive defensive structure Schwartz installed. Undlin, having coached under the Schwartz scheme in Philadelphia, fits that mold perfectly.
“He’s a name I’ve had circled the whole time,” Breer added. “He’s someone who’s not going to turn over the apple cart on the defensive players.”
Homecoming with a Catch?
If the deal gets done, this marks a homecoming for Undlin, who cut his teeth as a defensive assistant in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008. But his résumé isn’t without a blemish that might give pause to the Dawg Pound.
Undlin’s last stint as a defensive coordinator came with the 2020 Detroit Lions, a season most in Motor City would prefer to forget. That unit finished dead last in the NFL in both points and yards allowed. However, Breer noted that Undlin’s stock has rebounded significantly thanks to his recent work in Houston, where the Texans’ secondary has been a key factor in their defensive resurgence.
The Shortlist: Who Else is in Play?
While Undlin holds the inside track, the Browns front office is still conducting due diligence. The team has vetted a deep list of candidates over the last 48 hours to ensure they get this critical hire right.
The Contenders:
- Aubrey Pleasant: Rams assistant head coach/pass-game coordinator.
- Mike Rutenberg: Falcons defensive pass-game coordinator.
- Jonathan Cooley: Panthers defensive passing-game coordinator.
- Charlie Bullen: Giants outside linebackers coach/interim DC.
Internal Options:
- Ephraim Banda: Safeties coach.
- Jason Tarver: Linebackers coach.
What’s Next
With the NFL Combine fast approaching, expect Monken to move quickly. If Breer’s read is accurate, the Browns could have their new defensive architect in place before the weekend. The priority is clear: keep the continuity, keep the aggression, and get a guy Monken trusts to steer the ship.
