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Browns Near Defensive Coordinator Hire: Saleh, Wilks, Richard in Contention

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 27th 2026 at 12:02 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

Cleveland, OH - February 27, 2026 - The Cleveland Browns are on the verge of naming a new defensive coordinator, with a decision expected within the next 48 hours, according to sources close to the organization. This crucial hire comes at a pivotal moment for the team, as they prepare for the upcoming NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis and, more importantly, the crucial pre-draft preparation period.

The search for a new defensive signal-caller began after a thorough evaluation of the previous season, and the Browns have narrowed their list of candidates to three prominent names: Rob Saleh, Steve Wilks, and Kris Richard. Each brings a unique skillset and experience level to the table, presenting Head Coach Kevin Stefanski with a difficult, yet exciting, decision.

The Candidates: A Deep Dive

Rob Saleh: The Experienced Leader

Saleh appears to be the frontrunner, boasting the most extensive experience as a defensive coordinator. He recently concluded a three-year stint as the DC for the New York Jets (2021-2023), where he was tasked with building a competitive defense despite challenging circumstances. Prior to that, Saleh served as the DC for the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 and 2018, demonstrating an ability to adapt to different personnel and schemes.

Saleh's coaching philosophy centers around aggressive, attacking football. He's known for utilizing complex blitz packages and prioritizing speed and athleticism on the defensive side of the ball. However, his tenure with the Jets saw some consistency issues, raising questions about his ability to maintain peak performance over a sustained period. The Browns will be looking to see if he's learned from those experiences and can implement a consistent, high-performing defense in Cleveland. Sources indicate Saleh impressed the Browns' brass with his detailed presentation on how to maximize the potential of Myles Garrett and the existing defensive line.

Steve Wilks: The Turnaround Specialist

Steve Wilks presents a compelling case as a proven leader with a track record of revitalizing struggling defenses. He held head coaching positions with the Arizona Cardinals (2022-2023) and served as the interim head coach for the Carolina Panthers in 2017, gaining valuable experience in overall team management. While his head coaching stints haven't been long-term successes, he's consistently been lauded for his ability to improve defensive performance quickly.

Wilks is known for his emphasis on fundamentals and discipline. He's a hands-on coach who works closely with his players to develop technique and build confidence. The Browns, coming off a season where defensive consistency was a concern, might see Wilks as the ideal candidate to instill a more reliable and disciplined approach. Analysts note that Wilks's understanding of personnel evaluation could be a significant asset during the draft process.

Kris Richard: The Scheme Familiarity

Kris Richard offers a unique advantage: familiarity with Head Coach Kevin Stefanski's offensive scheme. He has spent the last eight seasons (since 2018) as the defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys, honing his skills in coverage and pass defense. Before joining the Cowboys, Richard served as the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2015-2017, a period marked by the "Legion of Boom" defense.

Richard's understanding of how Stefanski's offense operates could allow for more effective in-game adjustments and practice simulations. This synergy between the offensive and defensive units could be invaluable. While some question whether Richard is ready to take the leap back into a full-time coordinator role after focusing on the secondary, his proven track record and scheme familiarity make him a strong contender.

What the Browns Are Prioritizing

Beyond the individual strengths of each candidate, the Browns' coaching staff is prioritizing several key attributes. The ability to effectively utilize the team's existing talent, particularly star defensive end Myles Garrett, is paramount. A strong communicator who can motivate and mentor players is also essential. Furthermore, the Browns are looking for a coordinator who can adapt to different offensive schemes and develop a versatile defensive game plan.

The timing of this hire is critical. With the NFL scouting combine looming, the new DC will be immediately involved in evaluating potential draft prospects and shaping the defensive strategy for the upcoming season. The Browns are confident they will find the right leader to elevate their defense and contend for a championship.