HOUSTON – Texans defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin is a candidate for the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator job and has talked with new head coach Todd Monken, per a league source connected to their interview process.
Undlin, 54, is a former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator who has strong ties to Monken from their time together with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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Undlin has been instrumental to the Texans’ top-ranked defense, primarily assisting a secondary that includes All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr., Pro Bowl corner Kamari Lassiter, Pro Bowl safety Calen Bullock and nickel Jalen Pitre.
The Browns have also interviewed two Cleveland assistants, linebackers coach Jason Tarver and safeties coach Ephraim Banda, for the defensive coordinator job. The current plan is to run the same system that former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has in place, so continuity will be a factor in the Browns’ decision. Undlin worked for Schwartz with the Philadelphia Eagles and could keep things rolling for a defense headlined by NFL Defensive Player of the Year and star pass rusher Myles Garrett.
Undlin joined the Texans in 2023 as part of coach DeMeco Ryans’ first staff.
Undlin was a defensive passing game specialist-secondary coach for the 49ers.
Undlin is expected to join the Texans as defensive passing game coordinator-secondary coach, according to league sources.
Undlin has been an assistant coach for the New England Patriots, Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Lions and 49ers.
Undlin earned Super Bowl rings with the Patriots as a defensive assistant in 2004 working for Bill Belichick and with the Eagles in 2017 as a defensive backs coach.
He coached collegiately at Fresno State and Cal Lutheran where he was an all-conference safety.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com