Browns Offensive Coordinator Alex Van Pelt to Call Plays in Preseason as Audition for Full-Time Gig

With a new head coach in Cleveland in 2020 in Kevin Stefanski, the Browns look to be taking things slow to see what will work out for them in the long term.

In the preseason, Stefanski will have offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt make the play calls as part of an audition of sorts for the full-time opportunity.

Alex Van Pelt will call plays in preseason as Browns make plans for the long term https://t.co/TGrHBMKiSW
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 25, 2020

This is a smart decision by Stefanski, as they can figure out who really is the right guy who needs to make the play calls for quarterback Baker Mayfield this season. All told, it could end up being Stefanski himself.

Van Pelt was hired on Jan. 29 and is already making a good first impression. He has been talking with Mayfield since his hiring about working on his footwork and technique in the pocket. He comes across as a detail-oriented coach which could be what the Browns need at the moment.

Alex Van Pelt came off strongly in his press conference. He emphasized footwork and technique when he spoke on Baker Mayfield. Explained how he could help Baker improve with both. Acknowledged the disparity between Baker with play action and without. Detail oriented. Love it.
— Nick Karns (@karnsies817) February 19, 2020

Stefanski says he's okay with sacrificing the play calling, saying that he'll do whatever is necessary to put the Browns in a position to win games.

This looks to be the best overall tactic to employ this season so the new coaching staff can iron out any wrinkles that may emerge over the course of installing a new scheme.