CLEVELAND (AP) – The Cleveland Browns have filled one of the vacancies on their coaching staff as they prepare for a potential big departure.Coach Kevin Stefanski has hired 10-year NFL veteran Duce Staley as his new coach, a person familiar with the addition told The Associated Press on Wednesday
Staley was fired last season in Carolina.Staley, who also interviewed with the New York Jets, will replace the recently fired Stump Mitchell, the person told the AP on condition of anonymity because the Browns are not commenting on any coaching moves until Stefanski completes their roster.
Mitchell was released from his contract last week for a year with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and tight ends coaches T.C. McCartney just days after the Houston Texans beat the Browns 45-14 in the AFC playoffs.Staley, 48, takes over a running 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 ligaments in the knee he suffered in Week 2.
Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. will return next season, but it is not yet known if the team will re-sign Kareem Hunt, who was released by Cleveland but returned after Chubb was injured and scored nine touchdowns. 4,444 4,444 Staley passed for 5,785 yards with Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.As Stefanski changes his staff, it’s possible he could lose respected offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who could join his son Brianand#039;s staff at Tennessee. The Titans officially hired the younger Callahan to replace Mike Vrabeland on Wednesday.Bill Callahan has done a spectacular job in Cleveland this season after the team lost both starters to injuries.andquot;Coach Callahan was important to us, said left guard Joel Bitonio.
“He’s helped us improve a lot on the line. We’re grateful for that. He is one of the hardest workers. I know he’s going to spend time with us and he’s a big part of the run with schemes and coverages.“But when your son calls, you may have to accept the call.
It’s pretty special stuff. So we understand both ways and hope he’s still around to help us next year.”The Browns are hiring former Alabama offensive coordinator and Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees to 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 asking for several openings in the league..
