Tarver first joined the Browns in 2020 as the linebackers coach, a position he has held for six seasons, before adding run game coordinator responsibilities in 2026. Tarver is in his 23rd season as an NFL coach, which includes 13 seasons with the 49ers and three seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Raiders. In 2020, Tarver helped the defense rank among the league leaders in takeaways, including an NFL-best six red zone takeaways, as well as ranking ninth in the league in run defense after finishing 30th in 2019. In 2021, he helped the Browns finish the 2021 season fifth in the NFL in total defense, marking the club's highest finish since 1987. Most recently, he coached a room that features LB Carson Schwesinger, who was named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2025 season. Schwesinger led all rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.