The Cleveland Browns officially announced on February 20 the appointment of Travis Switzer as the new offensive coordinator, Mike Rutenberg as the defensive coordinator, and Byron Storer as the special teams coordinator. This decision comes as Todd Monken continues his role as head coach after being hired on January 28.
In a statement, Monken emphasized the importance of prioritizing players in coaching, stating, “You”re always looking for coaches that never forget that we have a job for our players. That”s first and foremost, and our job is to maximize our players” measurable skill set. I always aspire to be the best coach they”ve ever had.”
Switzer, at just 33 years old, is the fourth offensive coordinator for the Browns in as many seasons. Previous coordinators included Alex Van Pelt, who was let go after the 2023 season, and Ken Dorsey, who was dismissed after the 2024 season. Following a disappointing 5-12 finish in 2025, former head coach Kevin Stefanski was also fired. Switzer previously served as the run-game coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, where he worked closely with Monken.
In 2024, the Ravens achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first team in NFL history to amass over 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards in a single season. They set a franchise record with a total of 7,224 offensive yards, ranking third in NFL history for a single season. However, the Ravens experienced a drop in efficiency during the 2025 season, finishing with a record of 8-9 and totaling 5,647 offensive yards.
Rutenberg, 44, brings 14 years of NFL coaching experience, having served as the pass-game coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 and previously coaching linebackers for the New York Jets for four seasons. The Browns” offense under Switzer will not need to improve significantly to surpass its performance in 2025, where they ranked 30th in the league with 4,456 yards, just ahead of the Raiders and Titans.
On the defensive side, Rutenberg faces a more challenging task. The Browns finished fourth in total defense in 2025, allowing an average of 283.6 yards per game. His predecessor, Jim Schwartz, was well-respected by the players and had been a candidate for Monken”s position. Schwartz resigned in opposition to Monken”s hiring, prompting Monken to commit to maintaining Schwartz”s defensive system, which Rutenberg is familiar with to some extent.
Monken remarked on Rutenberg”s experience, stating, “He”d been in a similar system, but not the exact system because Jim was unique. I thought Rutenberg”s energy, his ability to teach, and his enthusiasm really stood out.” Rutenberg previously coached under Robert Saleh with the Jets, who utilized a four-man front similar to the Browns” defensive style.
Lastly, Storer, 41, has spent the last four seasons as an assistant special teams coach with the Green Bay Packers. His coaching career includes time with the Raiders and Chargers. Storer”s journey back to coaching involved a stint managing his family”s transportation business after his initial coaching roles.
Monken praised Storer”s diverse background, saying, “First off, his journey — going to Cal, playing special teams a little bit in the NFL, into coaching, out of coaching and into the business world, then back into coaching. Matt LaFleur just absolutely standing on the table for him was huge. Unbelievable presentation when we interviewed him. He was more than ready.”
Storer played three seasons as a fullback with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, participating in 25 games and recording 11 special teams tackles before his career was cut short by a knee injury.
