Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski Hands Over Playcalling to Tommy Rees

Stefanski’s Strategic Decision for Improved Offense

BEREA, Ohio – In a bid to revitalize the struggling Cleveland Browns offense, head coach Kevin Stefanski has announced he will step back from playcalling duties for the second consecutive season. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees will take over these responsibilities during the upcoming road game against the New York Jets.

Stefanski expressed his confidence in Rees, saying, “I have a ton of trust and faith in Tommy. He’s more than capable, so I’m excited for him. But the bottom line is we have to just get better collectively.” This decision underscores Stefanski’s commitment to reshaping the Browns’ offensive strategy as they grapple with the third-lowest scoring offense in the NFL, averaging just 15.8 points per game.

Challenges Facing the Browns Offense

The Browns’ struggles have been exacerbated by a mid-season quarterback change; after four games, they benched veteran Joe Flacco in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel. This move, however, has yet to ignite a significant surge in offensive productivity, as Gabriel holds a Total QBR of just 26.8, ranking him above only Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward.

In his debut season, Gabriel, the No. 94 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has completed 59.9% of his passes, totaling 702 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. Despite these challenges, Stefanski has confirmed that Gabriel will continue as the starting quarterback.

Organizational Changes and Prospects

Rees, 33, stepped into the offensive coordinator role in 2024 after initially serving as the tight ends coach and pass game specialist. His previous experience includes a stint at the University of Alabama as the offensive coordinator for the 2023 season. The decision to elevate Rees to playcaller reflects Stefanski’s strategic approach, as last season saw the Browns witness a similar transition mid-season when then-offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey took over.

Dorsey was ultimately dismissed after leading the team to record the NFL’s lowest-scoring offense. Notably, the decision to change offensive coordinators last season was made following a series of setbacks, including the season-ending injury to quarterback Deshaun Watson. Speaking on Watson’s status, Stefanski confirmed that the team would not open his practice window this week, leaving his future uncertain.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Browns

The Cleveland Browns are certainly at a critical junction this season. The leadership change in playcalling could serve as a catalyst for improvement. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this new direction under Tommy Rees can provide the spark needed to turn around a struggling offense. As the Browns head into their game against the Jets, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be put to the test.