Browns Likely to Retain Key Special Teams Coach After Kevin Stefanski Hire
By Jerry Trotta
On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns' prolonged head coaching search came to a close, as they tabbed Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski the heir apparent to Freddie Kitchens.
Though he's an unproven commodity, Browns fans are likely rejoicing that they can finally rid themselves of Kitchens' forgettable tenure. Well, Cleveland natives have even more reason to be feeling good about the organization's coaching staff. Shocking, right?
Per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Browns have persuaded coveted special teams coach Mike Priefer to stick around.
Strong possibility veteran special teams coach Mike Priefer will stick with the #Browns. He and Kevin Stefanski worked together with the #Vikings.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 12, 2020
There was some buzz materializing of late which indicated that Priefer could opt for greener pastures, but the history that he and Stefanski shared with the Vikings appeared to be enough to convince him to say in Cleveland.
Priefer coached special teams for eight seasons in Minnesota, and is one of the most heralded ST minds that the NFL has to offer.
The 53-year-old had an immediate impact on the Browns' special teams in his first year with the team in 2019. In terms of grades provided by Pro Football Focus, Cleveland jumped from the 30th to the 12th-ranked unit.
#Browns Mike Priefer completely turned around the special teams unit in his first year with the team. Team special-teams grade and ranks:
— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) January 6, 2020
2019: 73.5 (12th)
2018: 49.3 (30th)
That's nuts, and proves just how crucial it was for the franchise to retain Priefer.