According to an AP source, Browns will interview former Eagles coordinator Johnson and will meet with Moore of the Chargers.
The Cleveland Browns have widened their search for a new offensive coordinator, extending their inquiries to the East and West Coasts, according to reports on Thursday.
Brian Johnson, who was recently dismissed by the Philadelphia Eagles, had a meeting with Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski. Additionally, the Browns received permission from the Los Angeles Chargers to interview Kellen Moore for the vacant position, a source familiar with the team’s strategies informed The Associated Press.
Stefanski has been in pursuit of a new OC following the dismissal of Alex Van Pelt just last week, shortly after the Browns’ season ended with a disappointing loss to Houston in the wild-card round.
Johnson visited the team’s headquarters for his interview with Stefanski, as disclosed by the aforementioned source, who spoke anonymously due to the team’s policy of not announcing any moves until the interview process is concluded. There is no immediate information regarding Moore’s interview schedule. It’s worth noting that Moore is also meeting with the Eagles.
Stefanski, a finalist for AP Coach of the Year for the second time, has also conducted interviews with Seattle offensive line coach Andy Dickerson, former Buffalo offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, and Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson for the coordinator vacancy.
Johnson was relieved of his duties by Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on Tuesday alongside defensive coordinator Sean Desai after Philadelphia’s playoff loss to Tampa Bay. Johnson had also interviewed for head coaching positions with Atlanta and Tennessee.
Following Jim Harbaugh’s appointment as head coach of the Chargers on Wednesday, Moore has been exploring other opportunities. At 34 years old, Moore is the most seasoned coordinator and play-caller to have engaged with the Browns thus far.
If Moore were to join Cleveland, there’s a possibility that Stefanski might consider relinquishing play-calling duties, which he has handled since 2020. Earlier this week, Browns general manager Andrew Berry indicated that Stefanski might be open to delegating those responsibilities.
Johnson’s expertise with quarterbacks makes him an attractive candidate for the Browns, who are eager to maximize Deshaun Watson’s potential. Johnson served as Philadelphia’s quarterbacks coach in 2021 before being promoted to coordinator when Shane Steichen departed for Indianapolis.
Under Johnson’s tutelage, Jalen Hurts was a finalist for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 as the Eagles advanced to the Super Bowl. However, Hurts struggled this season with Johnson calling the plays.
Given Watson’s dual-threat capabilities, the Browns have closely studied Philadelphia’s offensive strategies, which effectively integrated designed runs and passes for Hurts. Watson started only six games this season before sustaining a shoulder injury but is expected to be fit for the next season.
Moore, who achieved 50 wins as Boise State’s quarterback, enjoyed a successful stint calling plays for the Dallas Cowboys from 2019 to 2022. He continued in this role for the Chargers this season, where, like the Browns, injuries posed challenges, notably to quarterback Justin Herbert.
Stefanski has already filled two other vacancies on his staff. Duce Staley, formerly with the Carolina Panthers, was appointed as the running backs coach, and Tommy Rees, the former offensive coordinator at Alabama, was recruited to coach tight ends, replacing Stump Mitchell and T.C. McCartney, respectively, who were dismissed after the Browns’ playoff exit.
The Browns remain optimistic about retaining offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who could potentially depart to join his son Brian’s staff in Tennessee.
