Cleveland Browns Consider Brian Johnson for Offensive Coordinator Role amid Defensive Success and Deshaun Watson’s Performance Challenges

Baseball America asserts that Chase DeLauter stands out as the top prospect for the Guardians. Meanwhile, leveraging a former offensive coordinator from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cleveland Browns have achieved success defensively. It appears that head coach Kevin Stefanski is contemplating returning to that approach with the team’s vacant offensive coordinator position.

According to Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are scheduled to interview Brian Johnson on Thursday for the offensive coordinator role. Earlier in the coaching cycle, Johnson was considered for a coaching position with the Tennessee Titans, which ultimately went to Brian Callahan, the former offensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals. This marks Johnson’s first interview for an offensive coordinator position since his departure from the Eagles earlier this week.

Breaking: Former #Eagles OC Brian Johnson scheduled to interview today for the #Browns OC vacancy

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 25, 2024

The Browns present an intriguing opportunity, particularly with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, a former Eagle, delivering commendable performance in 2023, and Stefanski poised to potentially secure his second Coach of the Year Award. Despite quarterback Deshaun Watson missing 11 games due to injury, Cleveland surpassed expectations, with its offensive line aiding former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco’s resurgence.

However, the Browns’ investment in Watson has been remarkable, securing three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round pick when they acquired him from the Houston Texans in March 2022, alongside extending an unconditional contract offer totaling $230 million over five years.

After Watson’s first two years in Cleveland, the deal seems to have faltered. Watson’s tenure has been marred by an 11-game suspension in 2022 for violating the NFL’s personal conduct rules and season-ending shoulder surgery in 2023. Additionally, Watson has recorded 14 touchdowns to nine interceptions since joining the Browns, signaling a departure from the superstar-caliber performance he exhibited with the Texans, notably in 2020.

Realigning Watson’s trajectory in 2024 is imperative, and establishing a strong rapport with an offensive coordinator could be pivotal. Johnson’s close relationship with Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, who has a history with Watson and hails from Houston, Texas like Johnson, could facilitate a positive start to their collaboration.

While Johnson may not initially assume play-calling duties for the Browns, his potential hire could position him as a prime candidate for future offensive coordinator roles, particularly if Watson ascends to greater prominence.