Cory Undlin has long been seen as a top defensive coordinator candidate for the Browns. He has already been in contact with the team, and an interview will soon take place. 
A request has been submitted, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports. Undlin is currently in place with the Texans as their defensive pass-game coordinator. He has not yet been connected to any other DC vacancies, but interest from Cleveland is understandable. The 54-year-old worked with the Browns from 2005-08. He held a number of titles over the course of that span, working on defense and special teams along the way.
Since his Cleveland departure, Undlin has seen time with the Jaguars, Broncos, Eagles, Lions, 49ers and Texans. He served as Detroit’s defensive coordinator in 2020, although the team ranked last in scoring and total defense that season. Undlin nevertheless has plenty of experience working with defensive backs at the NFL level, and he is a familiar option to pair with new head coach Todd Monken.
The two did not overlap during their respective stints in Cleveland. However, Monken and Undlin worked together in Jacksonville for two seasons. Undlin also has experience working under ex-Browns DC Jim Schwartz, having won a Super Bowl with him in Philadelphia. If the Browns intend to essentially duplicate Schwartz’s scheme in 2026, bringing in Undlin would be a reasonable approach.
Cabot also notes a defensive coordinator interview took place with Mike Rutenberg yesterday. The Falcons’ defensive pass-game coordinator is one of several staffers connected to the opening in Cleveland with Schwartz opting to resign upon not landing the head coaching gig. Here is an updated look at where things stand:
- Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed 2/7
- Charlie Bullen, defensive pass-game coordinator (Giants): Interview requested
- Jonathan Cooley, defensive pass-game coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 2/9
- Mike Rutenberg, defensive pass-game coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed 2/11
- Jason Tarver, linebackers coach (Browns): Interviewed 2/7
- Cory Undlin, defensive pass-game coordinator (Texans): Interviewe requested
- Dino Vasso, defensive backs coach (Texans): Mentioned as candidate; withdrew from search

Undin does look like a nice guy, but, but, but…
Why would one hire a defensive coordinator in whose last gig his defense ranked last.