The Cleveland Browns are making significant changes to their coaching strategy as head coach Kevin Stefanski transfers playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees for the upcoming game against the New York Jets. This decision follows a challenging start to the season, with the Browns currently holding a disappointing 2-6 record.
Coaching Changes and Trust in Rees
Stefanski emphasized his confidence in Rees during a press conference, stating, “I have a ton of trust and faith in Tommy. He’s more than capable.” He expressed optimism that Rees could help improve the team’s overall performance.
This marks the second consecutive season Stefanski has opted to relinquish playcalling responsibilities. Last season, he entrusted the duties to Ken Dorsey after the team’s offensive struggles. Dorsey was later dismissed following a season where the Browns recorded the lowest-scoring offense in the league.
Current Offensive Struggles
The Browns have recorded the third-lowest scoring offense in the NFL this season, averaging just 15.8 points per game. A mid-season quarterback change saw rookie Dillon Gabriel replace veteran Joe Flacco. Gabriel, selected as the No. 94 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has completed 59.9% of his passes for 702 yards, with five touchdowns and two interceptions. His 26.8 Total QBR is among the lowest, surpassing only Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward.
- Current Team Record: 2-6
- Average Points per Game: 15.8
- Dillon Gabriel’s Stats:
- Pass Completion: 59.9%
- Passing Yards: 702
- Touchdowns: 5
- Interceptions: 2
Stefanski confirmed that Gabriel would continue as the starting quarterback. Backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders was absent from practice, recovering from a back injury sustained in Week 8.
Rees’s Background and Previous Experience
Tommy Rees, at 33, is in his second season with the Cleveland Browns, having joined the team as the tight ends coach and pass game specialist in 2024. Prior to his time in Cleveland, Rees was the offensive coordinator at the University of Alabama in 2023 and held the same position at the University of Notre Dame from 2020 to 2022.
Injury Update
Regarding quarterback Deshaun Watson, Stefanski indicated that there will be no updates this week on his condition as he remains on the physically unable to perform list. The lack of clarity on Watson’s return adds to the team’s current challenges.
As the Browns prepare for their matchup against the Jets, all eyes will be on Rees to see if he can turn around the team’s fortunes offensively.
