CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns are meeting with former Philadelphia offensive coordinator Brian Johnson to get the best out of quarterback Deshaun Watson, a person familiar with the team's plans says. told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Johnson, who was fired by Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on Tuesday, is meeting with the Browns as coordinator, according to a source on condition of anonymity because the team won't announce any moves until coach Kevin Stefanski fills out his staff. told.
Stefanski fired offensive coordinator Alex van Pelt last week as part of an offensive overhaul.
Johnson was fired by Sirianni, along with Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai, after Philadelphia lost to Tampa Bay in the wild-card round. Johnson interviewed with Atlanta and Tennessee for the head coaching position.
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 AP NFL 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.
Stefanski has called plays throughout his four seasons with the Browns. General manager Andrew Berry said those duties are constantly reviewed during the offseason, and depending on who is hired as OC, Stefanski could relinquish those duties.
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.
Stefanski also met with Seattle offensive line coach Andy Dickerson, former Buffalo offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson about the coordinator vacancy.
The Browns have hired Duce Staley, who was fired last season at Carolina, as their new running backs coach and former Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Reese as their tight ends coach. They replace Stump Mitchell and TC McCartney, who were fired by Stefanski days after the Browns lost in the playoffs.
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Tom Withers, Associated Press