Tommy Rees, a 32-year-old former quarterback and offensive coordinator, has been promoted to the position of offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. This decision marks the team's first significant move of the offseason. Having previously served as the offensive coordinator at the University of Notre Dame from 2020 to 2022 and at the University of Alabama in 2023, Rees brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His appointment comes as the Browns aim to revitalize their offense following a challenging 2024 season.
Rees, who played quarterback at Notre Dame for four years, joined the Browns last season as a tight ends coach and pass game specialist. His promotion to offensive coordinator was anticipated by many, especially since he was considered a strong candidate for the North Carolina football head coaching job before Bill Belichick's hiring. The Browns are counting on Rees to implement a spread-out, run-pass option (RPO) based scheme tailored around quarterback Deshaun Watson.
However, Watson's recent Achilles retear and subsequent surgery have thrown a wrench into the team's plans. With Watson expected to miss a significant portion of the 2025 season, the Browns are exploring their options with the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL draft and potential free agency acquisitions. Currently, Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the only other quarterback under contract for the upcoming season.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski is taking a measured approach regarding play-calling duties for 2025. While he initially called plays during his first four seasons with the Browns, he handed over the responsibility to Ken Dorsey midseason last year. Stefanski intends to complete the interview process before making any final decisions on who will call plays moving forward.
Rees' promotion indicates the Browns' commitment to fixing an offense that struggled last season under a new-look approach. As part of this strategy, Ken Dorsey has been brought into the fold to help develop Rees' RPO-based offense around Watson. The forthcoming months will be crucial in determining how Rees' new role will shape Cleveland's offensive game plan.
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