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3 Available Play-Callers Browns Should Hire as OC Rather Than Giving Kevin Stefanski Too Much Responsibility

By Scott Rogust

Kevin Stefanski might not hire an offensive coordinator, which is a massive mistake.
Kevin Stefanski might not hire an offensive coordinator, which is a massive mistake. / Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns realized after one season that hiring Freddie Kitchens as head coach was a disastrous decision. In 2020, the team hired the runner-up in their previous search, Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.

As is the case with any new head coach, the Browns still have to assemble their staff around him. In a weird twist, Stefanski is reportedly leaning towards not hiring an OC at all. Not only is that more responsibility for a new head coach, but it could prove to be a nightmare for both Stefanski and the Browns.

Here are three offensive coordinators that Stefanski should consider hiring instead of taking all of this on his shoulders.

3. Mike McDaniel

Mike McDaniel made every running back in the depth chart dangerous for the 49ers this season.
Mike McDaniel made every running back in the depth chart dangerous for the 49ers this season. / Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

Given the San Francisco 49ers' success this season, every member of Kyle Shanahan's coaching staff is going to be a hot commodity. That goes for running game coordinator Mike McDaniel. No matter if the starting running back was Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida, or Raheem Mosert, McDaniel utilized them to their full potential. The Browns need a coach to use Nick Chubb to his full potential. McDaniel would be a no brainer.

2. Mike LaFleur

Mike LaFleur's work in San Francisco makes him a very strong candidate.
Mike LaFleur's work in San Francisco makes him a very strong candidate. / Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

Mike LaFleur is reportedly a strong candidate for the vacant offensive coordinator position in Cleveland, if Stefanski is willing. The younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt is yet another key cog to San Francisco's offensive machine. This season under LaFleur, the 49ers' passing attack ranked 13th in the league in average yards (237.0). Look at what LaFleur did with Deebo Samuel and Emmanuel Sanders. Imagine what he could do with Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. in Cleveland?

1. Gary Kubiak

Gary Kubiak worked with Stefanski in Minnesota, making a reunion possible.
Gary Kubiak worked with Stefanski in Minnesota, making a reunion possible. / Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Perhaps the most experienced play-caller available is Gary Kubiak, the man who coached the Denver Broncos to a Super Bowl victory less than five years ago. Kubiak worked alongside Stefanski as the assistant head coach with the Vikings. Who's to say that the new Browns coach can't lead his mentor with him to Cleveland? Much like the New York Giants have done by pairing new head coach Joe Judge with Jason Garrett, Stefanski would be wise to bring Kubiak with him to Cleveland. If Stefanski can accomplish this, quarterback Baker Mayfield would be in good hands next season.