Browns coach Kevin Stefanski has made significant changes to his staff for the second consecutive year, with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt leaving the team shortly after the Browns’ wild-card round loss to Houston. This move follows a season marred by injuries for Cleveland. Additionally, running backs coach Stump Mitchell has been fired, and tight ends coach T.C. McCartney’s contract was not renewed. The team is currently undergoing staff evaluations, suggesting more changes may be forthcoming.
Van Pelt’s departure comes as a surprise, as he and Stefanski seemed to have a strong working relationship. However, it’s unclear whether Van Pelt was fired or resigned. While he contributed to game planning, Stefanski retained sole responsibility for play-calling during games. It’s possible Van Pelt sought a more prominent role, which wasn’t available with the Browns.
Speculation arises that Stefanski might be seeking an assistant to better tailor the offense to quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was sidelined by a season-ending shoulder injury and subsequent surgery after just six starts. All three departing assistants had been with Stefanski since his arrival in 2020.
Despite challenges such as injuries and starting five different quarterbacks, the Browns managed an 11-6 record and a playoff berth this season but were eliminated in a lopsided loss to the Texans. Stefanski indicated that some assistants would be departing for other opportunities.
Mitchell, a former NFL player, had been with the Browns for four seasons, aiding the team through the absence of star running back Nick Chubb due to injury. McCartney played a role in developing tight end David Njoku into a standout performer. The Browns’ offense faced ongoing changes throughout the season, including the loss of Watson to injury and the signing of free agent Joe Flacco, who had a positive impact before struggling in the playoff defeat.
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