The Cleveland Browns have decided to hire Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.
Moving forward, the first-year head coach will need to assemble his staff.
Let’s take a look at 4 coaches who could be joining him in Cleveland.
Offensive Coordinator: Mike McDaniel or Mike LaFleur
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that former OC Todd Monken will not be retained.
Browns OC Todd Monken is not expected to stay on staff with new coach Kevin Stefanski, per source. Monken is being considered for several college playcalling jobs.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 12, 2020
Stefanski reportedly has two people on his radar for this position.
Kevin Stefanski will be the next head coach of the #Browns.
Expect him to target Mike McDaniel or Mike LaFleur as his OC. Look for Andrew Berry to join him as GM.
Paul DePodesta wins out in the end. https://t.co/dg9COX2LSF
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) January 12, 2020
It makes perfect sense for Stefanski to hire Mike McDaniel given his ability to coach running backs.
McDaniel boasts a three-year resume that includes developing Matt Brieda, Rasheem Morstat, and Tevin Coleman.
Defensive Coordinator: Wade Phillips
What makes a first-year coach successful?
A veteran coordinator running the show.
Stefanski is not a defensive-minded head coach and Phillips has years of experience.
At 72-years old, Phillips has one more push left in him and he’s already a top candidate for the job.
Report: Wade Phillips a candidate for Browns’ defensive coordinator https://t.co/wXBwjIobQz
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 13, 2020
When the Rams made the Super Bowl in 2018, they were nearly a top-10 defense in the league.
Stefanski could use a long-time NFL coach on his staff.
Quarterback’s Coach: John DeFilippo
Stefanski took John DeFilippo’s position in Minnesota when he was fired.
After one season in Jacksonville, the Jaguars dismissed him as well.
When Foles took over for Wentz in 2017, DeFilippo helped Foles lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl.
Also, DeFilippo worked as the Browns OC in 2015 for just one season.
When the Browns dismissed Mike Pettine, DeFilippo also left.
The Browns’ offense didn’t have much to work with as Josh McCown was the team’s quarterback and Isaiah Crowell was at tailback.
All look to be good options for the coaching staff. I especially like the idea of Wade Phillips for defensive coordinator. I like Mike LaFleur as OC, but wouldn’t say no to Mike McDaniel either. Can’t say I know a whole lot about John DeFilippo though.