Browns Coach Releases 5-Word Statement After Firing

On Tuesday, the Cleveland Browns made changes to their coaching staff, and former offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt released a brief statement regarding his dismissal.

Van Pelt joined Kevin Stefanski in 2020 as the offensive coordinator. Van Pelt did not call the plays, which was unusual for him. Stefanski, who has taken on the job of play-caller since his arrival, was responsible for this.

Van Pelt spoke briefly with ESPN reporter Jake Trotter after being let go.

“On to the next one,” Van Pelt told Trotter.

T.C. McCartney, the tight ends coach, and Stump Mitchell, the running backs coach, were also removed.

Trotter provided additional details about Van Pelt’s termination.

“To clarify the Alex Van Pelt incident. According to various team sources, the Browns discussed a “reassignment of roles” with [Van Pelt] on their coaching staff. Trotter reported that the two parties ultimately decided to split ways.

Kevin Stefanski’s Favorite for Coach of the Year

It’s an intriguing move by the Browns, who have defied expectations with many significant injuries on offense. The Browns were without Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Deshaun Watson, who played only six games.

During Watson’s absence, the Browns used four different quarterbacks, including PJ Walker, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Joe Flacco.

Stefanski is likely to win NFL Coach of the Year, therefore it’s unusual for a winning coach to change his staff. Van Pelt praised Stefanski during his year-end press conference before facing the Houston Texans.

“He is great. I’ve enjoyed every moment with him. His capacity to adapt and change while remaining cool. “He brings consistency every day,” Van Pelt added. “He’s coached a lot of football in many schemes. His ability to shift on a dime based on who this person is, his starter at quarterback, I thought was incredibly impressive. But the message, the culture he’s created here over the last four years makes me very happy to be on his team.”

The Browns were defeated 45-14 by the Texans in the Wild Card round, ending their postseason hopes. According to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com, Cleveland is looking for “fresh offensive ideas.”

Browns WR Michael Woods sends well wishes to Alex Van Pelt.

Van Pelt appeared to be popular in the Browns locker room as an offensive leader. Michael Woods, a wide receiver, was among many who wished him well after his departure.

“I appreciate you, AVP. “Good luck, Coach,” Woods wrote.

The Browns are already actively seeking to fill coaching vacancies. According to CBS Sports, Duce Staley, a former assistant head coach and running backs coach for the Carolina Panthers, visited Cleveland on Wednesday to fill Mitchell’s post.

Stefanski has led the Browns to one of the league’s strongest ground games. However, the Browns have struggled this season without Chubb. Cleveland concluded the season averaging 115.2 yards rushing per game, but only 3.9 yards per carry, ranking 26th in the league.