Very sad news:Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski just announced the departure of…………..
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Andrew Berry on Deshaun Watson’s Injury Progress, Evaluating Trade
Former Browns Offensive Coordinator Could Reunite With Baker Mayfield
The Browns were quick to move on from offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt at the conclusion of the 2023 season. Now the former Cleveland assistant has a chance to potentially reunite with a quarterback he’s familiar with
SPENCER GERMANJAN 29, 2024 10:55 AM EST
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Former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt may not have to wait too long to land a new gig.
Less than two weeks since Cleveland parted ways with the ex-NFL quarterback, he’s already in line to land on his feet. One opportunity, could see him reunite with another former Brown in ex-quarterback Baker Mayfield.
According to multiple outlets, Van Pelt is set to interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator role following the departure of Dave Canales, who was recently accepted the Panthers head coaching job. Canales was key in helping revive Mayfield’s career this past season as the 2018 No. 1 overall pick registered career highs in passing yards (4,044), touchdowns (28) and completion percentage (64%). Tampa Bay road Mayfield’s career year all the way to the divisional round of the playoffs.
Mayfield played this past season on a one-year, prove it deal worth $4 million, which means he is set to be a free agent in March. Given the productive season he had though it’s fair to reason the Buccaneers will prioritize bringing him back to start under center next season. That would also be supported by the Bucs pursuit of Van Pelt, who worked closely with Mayfield as Cleveland’s quarterback coach and OC for two seasons from 2020-2021.
Prior to this year, Mayfield’s best marks in a season came under Van Pelt and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski during a memorable 2020 campaign that saw Cleveland push the Chiefs to the brink in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
The Buccaneers appear to have some company for Van Pelt’s services, as he’s also in the mix for the Raiders OC opening.
BY SPENCER GERMAN
Spencer German is a contributor to the Northeast Ohio cluster of sites, including Cavs Insider, Cleveland Baseball Insider and most notably Browns Digest. He also works as a fill-in host on Cleveland Sports Radio, 92.3 The Fan, one of the Browns radio affiliate stations in Cleveland.
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Browns hiring former NFL back Duce Staley to coach team’s running backs, AP source says
FILE -Carolina Panthers assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley looks on against the New York Jets during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. 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 addition told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)
FILE -Carolina Panthers assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley looks on against the New York Jets during an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, in Charlotte, N.C. 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 addition told The Associated Press on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024.(AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman, File)
The 48-year-old Staley will take over a running backs group with some question marks. Former Pro Bowler Nick Chubb is expected to miss the start of next season after undergoing two knee surgeries to repair torn knee ligaments sustained in Week 2.
Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. will be back next season, but it’s not yet known if the team will re-sign Kareem Hunt, who was released by Cleveland but returned after Chubb got hurt and scored nine touchdowns.
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.”
The 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.
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