Cleveland Browns Head Coach Announce His Departure Due To…..
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns filled one of the vacancies on their coaching staff while bracing for a possible major departure. Coach Kevin Stefanski has hired Duce Staley, a 10-year NFL veteran, as his new running backs coach, a person familiar with the addition told The Associated Press on Wednesday. Staley was fired in Carolina last season. Staley, who also interviewed with the New York Jets, will replace the recently fired Stump Mitchell, said the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Browns are not commenting on any coaching moves until Stefanski fills out his staff.
Staley gained 5,785 yards while playing for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. As Stefanski reshapes his staff, there’s a possibility he could lose well-regarded offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who may join his son Brian’s staff in Tennessee. T he younger Callahan was officiall y hired Wednesday by the Titans as Mike Vrabel’s replacement. Bill Callahan did a sensational job this season in Cleveland after the team lost both starting tackles to injuries. “Coach Callahan’s been instrumental for us,” left guard Joel Bitonio said. “He’s helped develop a bunch of us on the line. We’re thankful for that. He’s one of the hardest workers. I know he puts in the time with us and he’s a big part of the run game with the schemes and the protections. “But if your son calls, you might need to take that phone call. That’s pretty special stuff. So we understand either way and we’re hopeful he’s still around for us to help us next year.”
Browns are hiring former Alabama offensive coordinator and Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees, who will coach the tight ends and may have other duties. Stefanski has already interviewed Seattle offensive line coach Andy Dickerson, former Buffalo coordinator Ken Dorsey and Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson for the coordinator vacancy. Johnson is a candidate for several openings around the league..
