After firing Ken Dorsey, who lasted just one season with the team, the Cleveland Browns have promoted Tommy Rees to be the team's new offensive coordinator, per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero.
Rees spent last season as Cleveland's passing game specialist and tight ends coach, joining Cleveland's staff after one season as the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama, and he spent 2020-2022 as the offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, where he played quarterback from 2010-2013.
Rees had interviewed for the University of North Carolina's head coaching job, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, and he was thought to be a potential offensive coordinator candidate for the New England Patriots, as Adam Schefter floated his name on The Pat McAfee Show yesterday due to his connection with Mike Vrabel, who spent 2024 as a consultant for the Browns.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski gave up his play-calling duties to Dorsey midseason, and it remains to be seen whether he'll take that role over or let Rees call plays. An internal hire lends credence to the idea that Stefanski may resume his play-calling role, and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the expectation is that Stefanski would resume his play-calling role on offense.
With Deshaun Watson potentially missing the entire 2025 season after rupturing his Achilles for a second time, the Browns will likely be in the quarterback market this offseason. Rees worked with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the 2023 season during his time with the school, and that connection could be one to watch come draft time, although Milroe likely won't be drafted in the top three, and the Browns hold the No. 2 overall selection. But he could be a name to watch beyond that, but Cleveland will likely look at all options to find their potential quarterback of the future.
It's clear that Rees is well-liked in the building, and the promotion ensures he stays in Cleveland instead of pursuing opportunities elsewhere. Whether or not he calls plays, he's well-regarded around the league and will be one of the youngest coordinators in the league at just 32 years old. For a Browns team that needs a reset, hiring a young offensive mind who can continue to grow into his role certainly isn't a bad decision, especially with the team likely bringing in a new quarterback, and potentially a rookie or someone young who the team wants to grow and develop.
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