Exclusive: Browns Coach Breaks Silence With 5-Word Statement After Firing
Following the Tuesday coaching staff turnover of the Cleveland Browns, former offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt released a succinct statement announcing his dismissal.
In 2020, Van Pelt joined Kevin Stefanski’s team as the offensive coordinator. Since Van Pelt did not call the plays, it was not his usual setup. Stefanski, who has taken on the job of play-caller since his arrival, was supposed to do that.
Van Pelt made his interview with ESPN reporter Jake Trotter brief and to the point following his dismissal.
Van Pelt informed Trotter, “On to the next one.”
T.C. McCartney, the tight ends coach, and Stump Mitchell, the running backs coach, were also replaced.
Trotter provided a few more facts about the events leading up to Van Pelt’s termination.
To provide more details regarding the Alex Van Pelt case. The Browns and [Van Pelt] on the coaching staff talked about a \^reassignment of roles\^, according to various team sources. However, in the end, both parties decided to split up, according to Trotter.
Coach of the Year Favorite: Kevin Stefanski
The Browns, who surprised everyone by winning despite having many critical injuries on the offensive line, made an intriguing decision. Running back Nick Chubb, a member of the Pro Bowl, missed much of the season with the Browns, and quarterback Deshaun Watson appeared in just six games.
In Watson’s absence, the Browns used Joe Flacco, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, PJ Walker, and quarterback.
It is not unusual for a coach who wins NFL Coach of the Year to reorganize his staff; Stefanski is the favorite to earn the title. Before playing the Houston Texans in his final press conference of the season, Van Pelt gave Stefanski a lot of praise.
“He’s fantastic. I’ve relished every moment spent with him. His flexibility in adjusting to the chill. He simply offers consistency every day, according to Van Pelt. “He has coached numerous football teams using various strategies. I found it quite amazing how adaptable he is, since he can alter his starting quarterback depending on the situation. However, the message, the culture he’s built here over the last four years, I’m really proud to be on his staff.”
The Texans humiliatingly defeated the Browns 45-14 in the Wild Card round to eliminate them from the postseason. Cleveland is looking for “new offensive concepts.”
Browns wide receiver Michael Woods wishes Alex Van Pelt well
As a leader on the offensive end of the ball, Van Pelt seemed to be well-liked in the Browns locker room. Wide receiver Michael Woods was one among the players that sent him best wishes when he left.
“Thank you so much, AVP. Coach, good luck,” Woods wrote.
The Browns are actively seeking to replace the vacancies in the coaching staff. To fill Mitchell’s position, former running backs coach and associate head coach of the Carolina Panthers, Duce Staley, visited Cleveland on Wednesday, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.
Under Stefanski, the Browns have one of the league’s top ground games. Nevertheless, without Chubb, the Browns had a difficult season. Cleveland was 26th in the league in terms of average running yards per game at the end of the season, while only averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
