"Browns Eye Brian Johnson as Offensive Coordinator in Effort to Elevate Deshaun Watson's Performance"
The Cleveland Browns are actively exploring options to
bolster their coaching staff, with former Philadelphia offensive coordinator
Brian Johnson emerging as a key candidate. A source close to the team, speaking
on the condition of anonymity, disclosed to The Associated Press on Thursday
that the Browns are set to interview Johnson. The primary goal is to optimize
the performance of their star quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
Johnson recently found himself on the market after Eagles
head coach Nick Sirianni decided to part ways with him on Tuesday. The Browns,
under the leadership of head coach Kevin Stefanski, are eager to revamp their
offensive strategy, and Johnson seems to be a frontrunner for the role of
offensive coordinator.
Stefanski's decision to terminate offensive coordinator Alex
Van Pelt last week marked the beginning of an extensive offensive shakeup for
the Browns. With Johnson's potential addition, the team aims to bring fresh
perspectives and ideas to the table, particularly concerning the utilization of
Watson's considerable talents.
The meeting between the Browns and Johnson is a pivotal step
in the team's offseason plans. The Browns have refrained from making official
announcements until Stefanski finalizes his coaching staff, adhering to a
well-established protocol.
Brian Johnson, having been let go by Sirianni alongside
Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai after a wild-card round loss to Tampa
Bay, has become a sought-after candidate in the league. Beyond the Browns,
Johnson has been interviewed by the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans
for their respective head coaching vacancies.
In the 2021 season, Johnson served as the quarterbacks coach
for the Philadelphia Eagles before earning a promotion to offensive coordinator
following Shane Steichen's departure to coach in Indianapolis. Under Johnson's
guidance, Jalen Hurts excelled, earning finalist nominations for AP NFL MVP and
Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. The Eagles' journey to the Super Bowl
underscored the success of Johnson's offensive strategies. However, the 2022
season saw a regression in Hurts' performance, raising questions about
Johnson's play-calling approach.
Stefanski, known for his hands-on approach and play-calling
prowess, has handled offensive responsibilities during his four seasons with
the Browns. The decision to part ways with Van Pelt sparked discussions about
Stefanski potentially relinquishing play-calling duties, a prospect contingent
on the appointment of a new offensive coordinator.
Deshaun Watson's arrival in Cleveland has heightened
expectations for the team's offensive capabilities. Watson, a dual-threat
quarterback with the ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, offers a
dynamic skill set that the Browns aim to exploit to the fullest. To glean
insights into optimizing Watson's performance, the Browns have closely studied
the offensive strategies employed by Johnson during his tenure with the Eagles.
Despite Watson's limited starts in the 2023 season due to a
shoulder injury, the Browns are optimistic about his full recovery and
readiness for the upcoming season. The quarterback's ability to extend plays
and create opportunities makes him a unique asset, and the Browns are keen on
tailoring their offensive approach to maximize his impact.
In addition to Brian Johnson, Stefanski has engaged in
discussions with other notable candidates for the offensive coordinator
position. Seattle offensive line coach Andy Dickerson, former Buffalo offensive
coordinator Ken Dorsey, and Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson are among
those who have been interviewed. The decision on the offensive coordinator role
holds significant weight in shaping the Browns' offensive identity for the
upcoming season.
Beyond the offensive coordinator search, the Browns have been
active in restructuring other coaching positions. Duce Staley, previously
released by the Carolina Panthers last season, is set to join the Browns as
their new running backs coach. Staley's wealth of experience and knowledge will
contribute to the development of the team's running back corps.
Further bolstering the coaching staff, former Alabama
offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has been appointed to coach tight ends. This
move signifies the Browns' commitment to bringing in diverse expertise to
enhance various facets of their team.
These coaching changes come on the heels of the Browns'
playoff exit, signaling a proactive approach to address shortcomings and
position the team for success in the upcoming season. The dynamic shifts in
coaching personnel underscore the team's dedication to continuous improvement
and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
As the Browns navigate through the intricate process of
assembling a coaching staff that complements their aspirations, the addition of
Brian Johnson could prove instrumental in shaping the team's offensive
narrative. The prospect of leveraging Watson's talents, coupled with innovative
offensive strategies, adds an element of anticipation for Browns fans eager to
see their team ascend to new heights in the NFL landscape.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional football, the
success of a team is often intricately linked to the strategic brilliance of
its coaching staff. As the Browns inch closer to finalizing their coaching
lineup, the NFL community watches with keen interest, eager to witness how
these strategic moves will impact the team's fortunes on the field. The Browns,
armed with a talented roster and ambitious coaching additions, are poised for
an exciting journey in the forthcoming NFL season.