An AP source reports that the Browns have hired former quarterback Ken Dorsey as their offensive coordinator.
The Cleveland Browns have named a new offensive coordinator, according to a source familiar with the decision who spoke to The Associated Press on Sunday. The team has hired the former Buffalo Bills quarterback and offensive coordinator, who was let go from his position with the Bills in November. It has not yet been determined if he will assume play-calling duties for Cleveland, as the team has not officially announced any new coaching hires.
This new hire comes after the dismissal of Alex Van Pelt, who served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator since 2020 but was released by head coach Kevin Stefanski shortly after the team’s loss to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Van Pelt declined an opportunity to remain with the organization in a different capacity and has since interviewed for the offensive coordinator position with the Las Vegas Raiders.
In addition to overseeing the Browns’ offense, the new coordinator will be responsible for maximizing the performance of quarterback Deshaun Watson, who has dealt with injury setbacks over the past two seasons but is expected to be ready for training camp. The Browns are counting on Watson’s return to his Pro Bowl-level play, which was interrupted by a shoulder injury during the 2023 season.
The new coordinator, who previously served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator in 2022, inherits a challenging situation after Buffalo’s offense experienced a downturn leading to his dismissal. It remains to be seen if Stefanski will relinquish play-calling duties, a responsibility he has assumed since taking over as head coach in 2020.
The new hire has a history with the Bills, having worked closely with quarterback Josh Allen during his time as the team’s quarterbacks coach. He also has ties to the Browns organization, having played for the team from 2006 to 2008, becoming one of many quarterbacks to start for the franchise since its return in 1999.
Stefanski considered several candidates for the offensive coordinator position, including Kellen Moore, who reportedly accepted a coaching position with the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as Andy Dickerson, Brian Johnson, and Jerrod Johnson.
The new offensive coordinator, aged 42, had a brief NFL career as a quarterback, starting 13 games and compiling a record of 2-11. Prior to his professional career, he enjoyed success as a college quarterback at Miami, boasting an impressive 38-2 record as a starter.
Overall, the appointment of the new offensive coordinator marks a significant change for the Browns as they aim to revitalize their offense and build upon their recent playoff appearances.