The Cleveland Browns have had an underwhelming two seasons since making the playoffs in 2020. And the rubber has finally met the road with their coaching staff as they look to get back into postseason contention in 2023. They fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods right at the end of the season, replacing him with Jim Schwartz. They have since fired special teams coordinator Mike Priefer as well.
They have had a few more openings on their coaching staff come open as well this offseason, and we take a look here at exactly how many coaching slots they have left to fill as the NFL Scouting Combine and free agency approach.
Special Teams Coordinator
The Browns are rumored to have their sights set on Bubba Ventrone, as Indianapolis reporters are already hearing chatter that he is on his way to Cleveland. He is interviewing to replace Mike Priefer today in Berea, and the Browns could make it official as early as today or tomorrow.
QB coach
As Drew Petzing takes over as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, the Browns now have to find a new quarterbacks coach. Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt has held the title in the past, so he is a fallback for the Browns, but as their offense continues to evolve, bringing in a fresh perspective may be wise.
DL coach
The Houston Texans hired away Chris Kiffin as their new linebackers coach. This means the Browns need a new defensive line coach. This, however, was likely going to happen regardless as the Browns more than likely told him to look elsewhere are they look to transform their defense under Schwartz.
DBs coach/passing game coordinator
Similar to Kiffin, Howard took a new job (and a demotion at that) while still being under contract with the Browns. This, again, was likely the result of the Browns letting him know his standing in the agency and allowing him to look elsewhere. Howard, however, was the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator under Woods, so the Browns have potentially two positions to fill there.
Can they nail these hires like they did Jim Schwartz's hire?
The Browns made a massive stride and took a big step forward when they swapped out Woods for Schwartz. As they look to fill their special teams coordinator role, Ventrone would be a similar step up over Priefer if the Browns can close the deal with the Colts’ special teams coordinator.
Schwartz will likely have input on the two or three openings he has on the defensive staff, and this is needed as the Browns look to get more out of the young talent on their roster. It’s a year in which the Browns need to get back into the playoffs. They have started the offseason off hot, even before free agency, but there is still work to be done.
