As the Browns focus their efforts to improve offensively for the 2025 season, head coach Kevin Stefanski answered one of the important questions centered around play-calling. Stefanski announced that he will be the play-caller for the 2025 season.
"I reserve the right to change my mind," Stefanski added.
Stefanski started the 2024 season as the play-caller, a role he has held since he became the head coach of the Browns in 2020. However, as they dealt with offensive struggles in the early portion of the 2024 season, Stefanski was looking for any ways to improve.
In Week 8, Stefanski announced the former offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey would assume play-calling duties – a role Dorsey held for the remainder of the season. Dorsey called plays mostly for QB Jameis Winston, who averaged over 300 yards during his seven starts. Yet, the Browns went 2-5 in those games.
But the offensive struggles continued throughout the second half of the season. Cleveland finished with a 3-14 record and were last in total points this season, averaging 15.2 points per game. They averaged 94.6 rushing yards per game – ranked 28th in the league – and 20th in average passing yards per game at 206.2. They were also tied for the most giveaways at 34, and last in the NFL in turnover differential at minus-22.
Cleveland made changes to its offensive coaching staff in the offseason and promoted tight ends coach/pass game specialist Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator. As Rees steps into this new role with the Browns, he will work with Stefanski to create a system that is explosive and highlights the strengths of their players.
"We're going to work together," Rees said. "I'm looking forward to being a part of the process and having an opportunity to lead the offensive staff and lead the offense. There's so much work that gets done the front end of things; play-calling is just part of the process. We're excited to get to work together and making sure that we have a good product on the field."
