Browns DC search: Albert Breer names new 'leader' to replace Jim Schwartz

The search for Jim Schwartz’s replacement is finally hitting a turning point. NFL insider Albert Breer joined 92.3 The Fan to drop major intel on the vacant defensive coordinator role.

He identified Houston Texans defensive passing-game coordinator Cory Undlin as the clear frontrunner.

According to Breer, the connection between Undlin and new head coach Todd Monken is the driving force behind the move. "If you’re looking for a leader in the clubhouse, it’s Cory Undlin," Breer commented. “He has experience being in the Jim Schwartz scheme in Philadelphia, and going back to Jacksonville with Monken. They keep in touch.”

“He’s a name I’ve had circled the whole time…he’s someone who’s not going to turn over the apple cart on the defensive players,” Breer continued. That idea of keeping the defensive structure intact lines up with Monken’s introductory press conference where he mentioned wanting to maintain the current scheme.

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The move would represent a homecoming for Undlin, who coached in Cleveland from 2005 to 2008. However, his resume includes a more recent, albeit challenging, stint as a coordinator. In 2020, Undlin had an unsuccessful one-year run as DC for the Detroit Lions, where the unit struggled, ranking last in the league in both points and yards allowed.

Despite that setback, Breer noted that Undlin’s strong recent work in Houston and connection to Monken make him the choice for continuity of the aggressive identity Schwartz built. 

While Undlin holds the inside track, the Browns are still vetting several candidates posted on X over the last 48 hours, including:

• 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: Safeties coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jason Tarver.

If Breer’s read on the "clubhouse leader" is accurate, expect the Browns to move toward a finalized deal with Undlin shortly.

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