The Cleveland Browns decided to take a chance on a young up-and-coming coach to replace Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator, hiring Mike Rutenberg.

Rutenberg has a ton of coaching experience, but this will be his first stint as a defensive coordinator. Last season, he was the defensive passing game coordinator in Atlanta under Jeff Ulbrich, who said this about the young up-and-comer.

“He’s one of the best teachers in this league. He understands the back end at a PhD-plus level. He’s a huge part of our success back there. Whether he gets a coordinator job this season or next, it’s inevitable. He’s too good a coach.”

That’s high praise from a good defensive-minded head coach. ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi also reported on X that “The Browns were impressed with Rutenberg’s knowledge of all three levels of the defense and ability to add some wrinkles.”

Jim Schwartz struggled to make adjustments and add wrinkles if his initial plan didn’t work, so if Rutenberg can do that, it would be a breath of fresh air. I’m not sure if Rutenberg will work out as a defensive coordinator, but he is highly thought of and deserves this opportunity.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns new DC Mike Rutenberg heaped with praise by Jeff Ulbrich