CLEVELAND — Tommy Rees, Duce Staley, and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey are all present. I’m hoping for success for each of them in their new roles with the Browns offence.
RELATED: Jimmy’s Opinion: Ken Dorsey, the new offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, will manage Deshaun Watson
However, the worst news of this offseason came to me last Thursday night while I was on Front Row, and then it came to you.
In order to be with his son Brian, the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Bill Callahan announced his departure from his position as offensive line coach of the Browns.
Despite not having a game last Thursday night, the Browns seem to have suffered a defeat. The top offensive line mentor inThe game is going away. The Browns had no control over the outcome of the game. It is a family situation! What a peculiar combination of events.
For his son, Bill will work. Sons typically work for their fathers. Both of Bill Belichick’s sons were employed by the Patriots. Scott, Norv Turner’s son, was by his side all the time. It was the two of them here in Cleveland.
Mike Shanahan was Kyle Shanahan’s employer. Blake was a member of the Browns’ defensive staff under Gregg Williams. However, a father employed by his son is a unique circumstance.
I must therefore wish Bill Callahan luck and express my gratitude for the four fantastic years he spent transforming the Browns offensive line into a formidable team that consistently won games.
When Callahan would drill his linemen during training camp drills, I used to love to watch. It was amazing to watch him impart skills. I saw how, just a year ago, he took Dawand Jones and kept pushing for improvement. Dawand Jones then entered the game and the Browns didn’t lose a beat at right tackle after Jack Conklin suffered a major injury in the first game against the Bengals. Bill Callahan has prepared Jones to be great.
The most significant addition the Browns will make is to replace Bill Callahan. You need a strong offensive line if you want to keep Deshaun Watson healthy and create space for Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford to run. When Callahan joined the company in 2020, Kevin Stefanski made the best hiring choice. It will be his most important hire to replace him in 2024. And the time is running out because all of these teams, with new head coaches, are assembling their coaching staffs.
Today’s sad left turn before I leave. Toby Keith, the incredible country music singer, passed away last night. After a valiant battle, stomach cancer claimed his life. His songs were amazing. I cherished his soul. I had a lot of fun listening to hit after hit on Blossom’s lawn. I raise a “Red Solo Cup” to Toby Keith today! God watch over him and bless him.
