Stefanski of Browns reorganizes staff, firing two assistants and maybe making further adjustments.
A source familiar with the choices told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Stefanski dismissed tight ends coach T.C. McCartney and fired running backs coach Stump Mitchell in the wake of Cleveland’s swift playoff elimination.
The adjustments came after staff reviews, and since the process is still ongoing, more might be made, said the person who talked to the AP under condition of anonymity.
Alex Van Pelt, the offensive coordinator, is still employed at this time, according to the source. Van Pelt could be open to visiting a place where he directs the performances. Game-day responsibilities are presently handled by Stefanski.
Stefanski has had three assistants since he was recruited in 2020. Despite a rash of injuries and having to start five quarterbacks, the Browns finished the season 11-6 and qualified for the postseason. They lost 45-14 to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round on Saturday, though, and were quickly eliminated from the playoffs.
After leading the Browns to their second consecutive postseason trip in four years, Stefanski announced on Sunday that a few of his assistants will be moving on to new opportunities in the next weeks.
Mitchell, a former running back in the NFL, recently finished his fourth season in the Browns’ uniform. He worked hard most of the season to assist the club in coming to terms with the loss of standout player Nick Chubb, who sustained a season-ending knee injury in Week 2.
For almost twenty years, Mitchell has been a coach in the league.
David Njoku became one of the league’s top tight ends thanks in part to McCartney’s coaching. Njoku concluded the season with career highs in yards (882), touchdowns (6), and receptions (81).
Since the first game, Cleveland’s offense has been in continual motion. The Browns acquired free agency Joe Flacco, who started 4-1 as a starter and exceeded expectations until tossing two pick-6s against the Texans. The franchise lost starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to a shoulder injury in November.