FILE – Quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) of the Philadelphia Eagles watches on the field during practice before an NFL wild card playoff football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. offensive coordinator Brian Johnson; Offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, a person familiar with the decision, told The Associated Press on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns expanded their search for a new offensive coordinator on both coasts Thursday.
Brian Johnson, who was fired by the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this week, met with Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski and the team received permission from the Los Angeles Chargers to interview coordinator Kellen Moore ahead of Opening Day. A person familiar with the team's plans told The Associated Press. Thursday.
Stefanski has been looking for a new OC since firing Alex Van Pelt last week, days after the Browns' season ended with a blowout loss to Houston in the wild-card round.
Johnson visited team headquarters to meet with Stefanski and spoke on condition of anonymity because the team will not announce any moves until the interview process is complete.
Moore's interview with the Browns was scheduled for Friday. He is also in talks with the Eagles for the offensive coordinator job.
Stefanski, a finalist for the AP Coach of the Year award for the second time, said the coordinator vacancy will include Seattle offensive line coach Andy Dickerson, former Buffalo offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and Texans quarterback. He also met with coach Jerrod Johnson.
Johnson was fired by Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on Tuesday, along with defensive coordinator Sean Desai, after Philadelphia lost to Tampa Bay in the playoffs. Johnson interviewed with Atlanta and Tennessee for the head coaching position.
Moore is exploring other options after Jim Harbaugh was hired as the Chargers' coach on Wednesday. Moore, 34, is the most experienced coordinator and play-caller the Browns have ever met with.
If Moore is hired by Cleveland, Stefanski could take over the play-calling duties, which he has done since 2020. Earlier this week, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said Stefanski could be open to taking over the job.
“That will be his decision as he builds his staff.” Berry said. “That's one of Kevin's strengths, but how that works out from year to year is something we'll end up reevaluating.”
Johnson's work as a quarterback makes him an interesting candidate for the Browns, who want to get the most out of Deshaun Watson. Johnson coached Philadelphia's quarterbacks in 2021 and was promoted to coordinator when Shane Steichen left to coach Indianapolis.
Under Johnson's guidance, Jalen Hurts was a finalist for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2022, when the Eagles reached the Super Bowl. But this season, Hurts regressed and Johnson called the plays.
Because Watson is a two-way quarterback, the Browns will study Philadelphia's offense closely, just as the Eagles were able to achieve the productive blend of runs and throws designed for Hurts. did. Watson started just six games this season before fracturing his right shoulder, but he is expected to be fit for next season.
Moore, who won 50 games as quarterback at Boise State, had success calling plays for the Dallas Cowboys from 2019-2022. He did it this season with the Chargers, who, like the Browns, dealt with injuries, including QB Justin Herbert.
Stefanski also filled two other vacancies on his staff.
He hired Duce Staley, who was fired last season at Carolina, as running backs coach and former Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Reese as tight ends coach. They replace Stump Mitchell and TC McCartney, who were fired after the Browns lost in the playoffs.
The Browns remain hopeful that offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who could leave to join his son Brian's staff in Tennessee, will stay.