Tommy Rees' task as Browns offensive coordinator is to revive an offense that fell off the cliff in 2024.
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
New Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees inherits an offensive team that was last in points in 2024, second-last in yards-per-play, tied for last in turnovers, last in interceptions, and tied for 26th in penalties.
The only quarterbacks under contract are Deshaun Watson, who is not expected to play at all after two Achilles tendon surgeries in three months, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has one touchdown and 10 interceptions in two seasons.
The franchise running back, Nick Chubb, ended the season with a broken foot and an expired contract.
The offensive line is riddled with questions and the receivers beyond Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman are unproven.
Further, Rees might not even be able to enjoy the funnest part of the job – calling plays on game days -- if coach Kevin Stefanski keeps that chore for himself.
Other than all that, it’s a great opportunity for Rees, who joined the Browns last year as tight ends coach after serving as offensive coordinator at Alabama and Notre Dame.
Rees, 32, will be formally introduced as the Browns’ third offensive coordinator in three years on Thursday.
Here is a closer look at the position groups Rees inherits. Much of the work to rebuild them falls on GM Andrew Berry.
Quarterbacks
Starters under contract: None.
Others: Deshaun Watson, 30; Dorian Thompson-Robinson, 26.
Outlook: Berry has labeled rebuilding this room the top priority of the offseason. The task is to sign (or trade for) a veteran quarterback to serve as a bridge and mentor to a rookie taken high in the draft. Whether Berry uses the No. 2 pick on the next QB hopeful, or the No. 33 pick -- or somewhere in between after a trade-down -- it is essential for that player to be developed as a starter and winner by the 2027 season because of Watson’s future salary cap charges. The offensive system deployed by Stefanski and Rees will dictate in which direction Berry moves in both quarterback acquisitions.
Offensive line
Starters under contract: Left tackle Dawand Jones, 24; left guard Joel Bitonio, 34; center Ethan Pocic, 30; right guard Wyatt Teller, 31; right tackle Jack Conklin, 31.
Others: Guard Zak Zinter, 24; center Luke Wypler, 24; guard Javion Cohen, 22; tackle Lorenzo Thompson, 24.
Outlook: Three of the starters are among the top six on the team in salary cap charges, which could lead to contract restructures for Bitonio, Teller and Conklin – or releases. Bitonio hasn’t committed to returning for a 12th season, either. Jones was being groomed as the starting left tackle until he suffered a fractured fibula, his second season-ending injury in two years. Berry has to consider using a high pick on an offensive tackle and also sign a veteran. Further, Mike Bloomgren was hired as the team’s third offensive line coach in three years.
Running backs
Starter under contract: Jerome Ford, 26.
Others: Pierre Strong, 26.
Outlook: Chubb’s future was further clouded when he broke his foot. His contract is up and he expressed the desire to return, but in what capacity after the second major injury to his left leg is a big question. In addition to bringing in another back, preferably via the draft, the Browns have to rethink restoring the running system employed under former offensive line coach Bill Callahan.
Wide receivers
Starters under contract: Jerry Jeudy, 25; Cedric Tillman, 24.
Others: Michael Woods, 24; Jamari Thrash, 24; David Bell, 24.
Outlook: Jeudy and Tillman are a good start to a decent receivers room, but it is severely lacking in depth with Elijah Moore expected to depart in free agency. This is another position Berry needs to address in the draft.
Tight ends
Starter under contract: David Njoku, 28.
Others: Brenden Bates, 25.
Outlook: If Stefanski intends to return to a multiple-tight end offense, there is a lot of work needed to fill this room. Stefanski used to keep a minimum of four tight ends on the roster when he ran his play-action passing system. Also, a successor to Rees as tight ends coach has yet to be named.