All things considered, Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees probably never had much of a chance to stick around as the head coach of the team even after he interviewed for the job almost directly after coach Kevin Stefanski was fired. Rees was a first-time NFL offensive coordinator this season, though Stefanski held onto the role as play-caller for the first half of the year. Rees took the mantle as the team went from Dillon Gabriel at quarterback to Shedeur Sanders, but not much improved offensively.
In the end, the Browns rated the No. 32 overall offense in the NFL at Pro Football Focus, with a 55.6 grade that was considerably worse than the No. 31 Jets (62.6). Rees had been promoted to the OC job before the season, after having been the Browns’ passing game coordinator and tight ends coach last year. Obviously it did not go well.
When it comes to moving on to the next phase of the Browns’ head-coaching search, a new report says that Rees won’t be getting a second interview. Wrote Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot on Friday, Rees “is not expected to interview a second time for the position, a source told cleveland.com.”
Tommy Rees Was a Longshot to Be Browns Head Coach
Again, that is not a surprise, given Rees’ slim ties to the Browns organization and the struggles of the offense under his watch. But what is a surprise is that the Browns are apparently working out their next round of interviews even as their first round is yet to be completed–Cabot also reported that defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is getting a second interview.
According to another report, former Ravens OC Todd Monken will get a second interview from the Browns. It is widely believed that Monken will join John Harbaugh as the offenisve coordinator with the Giants now that Harbaugh is heading to New York. But ESPN’s Peter Schrager said Monken will get a second interview with the Browns next week, and that the chance to be a head coach will outweigh returning as Harbaugh’s OC.
As for the first round, on Friday, the team announced it is speaking to Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Jaguars wunderkind offensive coordinator Grant Udinski is slated for Saturday, and the team is hoping to set up an interview with Chris Shula, the Rams’ defensive coordinator–though Shula is considered a favorite for the Steelers job.
GettyEx-Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken
Long List of Candidates Still in Play
To review, the Browns have been mostly looking at coordinators and young assistants, though veterans Schwartz and Monken are apparently through to Round 2. The Browns have also interviewed former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, and had interest in Harbaugh before he went to the Giants.
Here’s the list as it stands:
- Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, not expected to advance to second round.
- Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, reportedly in line for second interview.
- Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher.
- Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde.
- Ex-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
- Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
- Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
- Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, to interview this weekend.
- Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, not yet scheduled.
Browns to Cut Ties With Coach Amid Stefanski Replacement Search