The Cleveland Browns face a significant challenge in finding a replacement for departing offensive line coach Bill Callahan, but despite his legendary status in Cleveland, Joe Thomas has clarified that he will not be stepping into that role. As a Hall of Famer with 10 Pro Bowls earned exclusively as a Browns player, Thomas would be a natural fit, yet he has expressed disinterest in joining Kevin Stefanski’s coaching staff at this time.
In an interview with cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot on February 3, Thomas stated, “I’m not (interested) at this point. I won’t be interested in NFL or college jobs until my kids are in college. Maybe not even then, but certainly not until then.”
Bill Callahan, recognized as one of the premier position coaches in the industry, left the Browns to join his son, Brian Callahan, with the Tennessee Titans. Despite having one more year remaining on his contract with the Browns, the team did not impede the reunion after Brian Callahan was appointed head coach in Tennessee.
Reflecting on this familial opportunity, Brian Callahan shared, “I don’t know how many fathers and sons have been head coaches in the NFL. I don’t think it’s many. And that’s a really prideful thing for him to be associated with.”
Bill Callahan served as the Browns’ offensive line coach for the past four seasons, and the team is currently in the process of reorganizing its coaching staff following these changes.
The Browns underwent significant coaching changes in the offseason, parting ways with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, running backs coach Stump Mitchell, and tight ends coach T.C. McCartney shortly after the season concluded.
The decision to let go of Van Pelt surprised many within the Browns’ organization, according to NFL insider Albert Breer of the MMQB. The move was attributed to ownership Podand Paul Desta, the Browns’ Chief Strategy Officer, expressing frustration with the progress of Deshaun Watson. Breer noted that the true value of Van Pelt to the coaching staff may not have been fully recognized, and those below head coach Kevin Stefanski were taken aback by the decision.
Despite not calling plays in Cleveland, Van Pelt played a crucial role in maintaining the offensive performance amid numerous injuries to key players, including Watson, Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb, and multiple starting offensive linemen. Breer described Van Pelt as the “glue” holding the coaching staff together.
Despite the unexpected departure, Van Pelt quickly secured a new position as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, officially hired on February 1.
To fill the void left by Van Pelt, the Browns brought in former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey as his replacement.
