Undlin, 54, is a longtime NFL coach with more than two decades in the league. He previously spent four years (2005-08) on the Browns’ defense under Romeo Crennel and now serves in Houston as the Texans’ defensive passing game coordinator.
Breiters have highlighted Undlin as a candidate in part because of his ties to new Browns head coach Todd Monken, including a prior working relationship in Jacksonville in 2009-2010 and a recent discussion about a potential reunion for the DC job.
In the last few days, Undlin and Monken have reportedly talked about a possible collaboration in Cleveland, though no formal interview had occurred until the Browns requested one. The club has also interviewed Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg and has interviewed internal candidates such as linebackers coach Jason Tarver and safeties coach Ephriam Banda.
Regardless of who lands the job, star edge rusher Myles Garrett remains a central voice in the process. Garrett praised Schwartz’s defense, and Monken has pledged to keep the defensive scheme intact while allowing a new coordinator to put his own twists in.
The Browns’ defensive coordinator search continues, with Undlin’s candidacy adding another layer to a process that balances Monken’s connections, Garrett’s expectations, and Cleveland’s defensive identity.
