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The Cleveland Browns could be getting ready to beef up their coaching staff, something that is being done in “lockstep” between the head coach and general manager, according to Mike Silver of the NFL Network.
So far, there are two rumored candidates being considered for positions on the offensive staff. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network says the Browns have requested permission to interview Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan for their vacant offensive coordinator job:
The #Browns have requested permission to speak with #Texans QB coach Sean Ryan for their vacant OC job, Cleveland sources say. His work with rookie QB Deshaun Watson has not gone unnoticed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2018
In addition, Alex Marvez of FOX Sports says that Jackson has an interest in bringing former Bengals offensive coordinator Ken Zampese onto his staff.
Source tells @sportingnews that @Browns HC Hue Jackson has interest in bringing ex- @Bengals OC Ken Zampese onto his coaching staff.
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 2, 2018
One would hope that Zampese is not being considered for the Browns’ offensive coordinator spot. He was fired from the Bengals this season after a disastrous start to the year, and things started clicking again in Cincy the second he was removed. Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer believes that Zampese is merely being considered for an “offensive assistant” role.
As for Ryan, he didn’t call plays for the Texans, but Rapoport said that his work with a young quarterback “did not go unnoticed.” Cleveland’s search for an offensive coordinator is expected to include other candidates, but the fact that people are being interviewed likely means that the team will fill the job for the first time under Jackson’s watch. Whether he gives up playcalling duties remains to be seen.