CLEVELAND — The Browns could soon have another vacancy on their offensive staff, and this one would leave a gaping hole.
Browns offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who was hired by Kevin Stefanski in 2020, could possibly leave to join his son, Brian, in Tennessee, where he’ll soon be named head coach of the Titans, replacing Mike Vrabel. Brian Callahan has been offensive coordinator of the Bengals since 2019.
Brian has stated in Cincinnati that he’d love to coach with his dad, and now he can make it happen.
Bill, the former head coach of the Raiders in 2002-03, and former interim head coach of the Commanders would be an invaluable resource for his son in his first head coaching job, and the two will undoubtedly explore working together.
In addition to his extensive experience as an offensive line coach and his two full years as a head coach, Bill has served as offensive coordinator of the Raiders and Cowboys. He’d be invaluable to his son in any number of roles, including as a trusted advisor.
The Browns have already parted ways with offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt, tight ends coach T.C. McCartney, and running backs coach Stump Mitchell. They’re hiring former Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees as tight ends coach, and are expected to make an offer to former Panthers running backs coach Duce Staley for that position here.
They’ve interviewed Seahawks offensive line coach Andy Dickerson and former Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey for Van Pelt’s job and will interview Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson for it on Tuesday. They have other candidates on their list depending on how the head coaching carousel shakes out.
If the Browns lose Callahan, they have his four-year Browns assistant offensive line coach Scott Peters on the staff, and he could possibly get promoted.
In 2023, Callahan was instrumental in getting fourth-round pick Dawand Jones ready to play at a high level when All-Pro right tackle Jack Conklin went down in Week 1 with a season-ending torn patella. The Browns also lost Jedrick Wills Jr. to a season-ending knee injury midseason, and Callahan prepared his fourth and fifth offensive tackles in Geron Christian on the left side and James Hudson III on the right to perform admirably down the stretch.
They blocked well enough for Joe Flacco to throw for 300 yards in a club-record four straight regular-season games and in the 45-14 wild-card loss to the Texans. Callahan also helped turn center Ethan Pocic into one of the best at his position in the NFL and has gotten Pro Bowl seasons out Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. Bitonio was also a two-time first-team All-Pro under his guidance.
It would be a tremendous blow for the Browns, and one for which they should brace themselves.
