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Consistency is a word rarely used to describe the Cleveland Browns, especially in regards to the offensive coordinator position on the club's coaching staff.
On Wednesday morning, the team concluded the search for its sixth offensive coordinator in as many years, settling on John DeFilippo.
DeFilippo spent two stints as the quarterbacks coach of the Oakland Raiders, served as an assistant for the Giants and Jets, and also spent a season at San Jose State. The 36-year-old Youngstown, Ohio native is largely credited for quarterback Derek Carr's success in his 2014 rookie campaign. Carr threw for 3,270 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
However, one key flaw to the hire is that DeFillipo has never served as a playcaller in the NFL.
Opinions formed quickly on Twitter, but first, many asked a question on the minds of many Browns fans.
Who the hell is John DeFilippo? #Browns
— Mike Popovich (@mpopovichREP) January 21, 2015
A few pointed to an article written a year ago by Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.
Who is John DeFilippo? Great piece from '14 on the new Browns OC from @MaryKayCabot http://t.co/5u0jEVhfy8
— Marc Sessler (@MarcSesslerNFL) January 21, 2015
Reporters quickly noted the history between Pettine and DeFillipo, as the two coached together on Rex Ryan's staff with the Jets.
Browns hiring John DeFilippo (as @alexmarvez reported) makes sense -- need strong QB presence, has relationship with Pettine.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 21, 2015
As it turns out, Kyle Shanahan almost didn't come to Cleveland last year.
#Browns interviewed John DeFilippo for OC last yr but went w/Shanahan. HC Mike Pettine said DeFilippo "had an outstanding interview" last yr
— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) January 21, 2015
Some members of the media are suggesting that the hire points to the team's commitment to Johnny Manziel.
John DeFilippo's hire as #Browns offensive coordinator seems to point to Johnny Manziel http://t.co/CYgv6q7Sk4
— PatMcManamon (@PatMcManamon) January 21, 2015
Levi Damien from Silver & Black Pride agreed with the hire.
Good for coach Flip landing the Browns OC job. But they've gone through 6 OC's in six years so... Tough gig.
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) January 21, 2015
In his article on the Browns' hire of DeFilippo, Damien wrote:
Landing the offensive coordinator position with the Browns today was Raiders quarterbacks coach, John DeFilippo. Coach ‘Flip' was widely respected as a quarterbacks coach and it's possible the Raiders would have brought him back in that role had he not found a job elsewhere as an offensive coordinator.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan responded with a number of tweets dedicated to DeFilippo.
Coaching source familiar with DeFilippo's offense/ideas: He'll run wording/verbiage system (similar to WCO).
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 21, 2015
Countless coaches, execs who have worked with DeFilippo have raved about him. Think hire is a home-run for Browns.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 21, 2015
DeFilippo's father, Gene, is the former athletic director at Villanova and Boston College.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 21, 2015
DeFilippo will get a 3-year deal, league source said. Coordinator contracts are typically either 2 or 3 years.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) January 21, 2015
Jon Meterparel, the play-by-play voice of Boston College football and basketball, also contributed to the Twitter discussion. DeFilippo's dad once served as the athletic director at BC.
Congrats to John DeFilippo, who was named the #Browns OC. He's an innovative offensive mind and if anyone can get to @JManziel2, it's him.
— Jon Meterparel (@meatstweets) January 21, 2015
Many Browns fans also chimed in on Twitter, some happy with the hire, and others expressing frustration.
John DeFilippo Is THE GUY!!!!! The Savior Of The Browns Offense. . . #InHarveyFarmerITrust
— Raphael DeLaGhetto (@Negrodamus_1) January 21, 2015
Lovin the Browns hiring John DeFilippo. Guy seems like a budding star in the league.
— Brian Lumpkins (@blumpk) January 21, 2015
Browns hire another 'just a guy' name for OC. Good luck, bud.
— C Guy (@contraryguy) January 21, 2015
Sorry john. Look on the bright side- they'll can you in 2 years and you can find a job you really want RT "Browns tab John DeFilippo as OC"
— Brian Blaies (@bblaze2) January 21, 2015
"@twithersAP: #Browns agree to hire #Raiders QB coach John DeFilippo as new offensive coordinator." THATS NOT GOING TO HELP US AT ALL
— Rev. Autu❌n Duncan (@autumnjduncan) January 21, 2015
So, what do you think of the hire, Browns fans? Let your opinion be known in the comments sections below.