Chris O'Meara - AP
27 days ago: FILE - In this Jan. 21, 2012, file photo, West head coach Brad Childress looks over plays against the East during the first quarter of the East-West Shrine Classic NCAA college football game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Cleveland Browns' Pat Shurmur hired former Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress as his first offensive coordinator on Friday, Jan. 27, reuniting two coaches who spent seven seasons together on Andy Reid's staff with the Philadelphia Eagles. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
The Cleveland Browns hired Brad Childress as their new offensive coordinator on Friday, something that doesn't come as a surprise. The only rumored candidates for the position over the past month were Childress and Mike Sherman, the latter of whom was hired by the Miami Dolphins as their offensive coordinator earlier in the day (Brian Daboll is out of a job again).
Childress was previously the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings for five years (from 2006-2010), compiling a 39-35 record. Before that, Childress was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles for three years. One thing to note is that even though he was the coordinator, Andy Reid still called the plays for the offense. Childress did call plays for his first year in Minnesota, but he handed those duties to a coordinator the following three years. Based on why Pat Shurmur was hired as head coach, this seems like the type of hire that would indicate he will continue calling plays in 2012. Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer is hearing the same thing from a source:
Browns coach Pat Shurmur retains playcalling duties for now, but a lot of conversation will take place regarding that issue, and final plans have yet to be determined, a league source said.
I don't have a strong opinion on the hiring of Childress; I have the opinion that almost any coach deserves to have a "wait-and-see" approach applied to them. I would expect Childress to be introduced in a press conference in the coming days.
Do you approve of the hiring of Childress?
0 recs | 90 comments
The picture raises a good point. Childress spent and entire week working with guys in the East West Shrine game. Granted that is no reason to hire someone, but it doesn’t hurt to have a little extra scouting before this draft.
Bernie19Kosar - January 27, 2012
I’m really happy with hiring Childress. Hopefully he works out as well as Jauron has so far. Some coaches are just better as coordinators, and having more experience on the staff is a bonus.
Legoman0721 - January 27, 2012 via Android app
Agree… Having 2 former HCs Shurmur can lean on (as well as M.Holmgren) SHOULD only serve to help him succeed.
That is, of course, if he takes advantage of this situation.
mr.saturday.night - January 28, 2012
Ray Rhodes is also a former HC that he can seek advice from,even if it is from the defensive side.
ctowndawgpound - January 28, 2012
Wasn’t Whipple a head coach at some point?
notthatnoise - January 29, 2012
In college
Bernie19Kosar - January 29, 2012
Agree Agree Agree!
Really happy with this hire, and i think we got the right man.
LondonBrown - January 28, 2012
Childress is a complete jerk. He’s talented as an OC, but he’s never been able to relate to players at all. Granted, this is not as big of an issue for the OC as the HC, but you never want a guy in the locker room that lots of people dislike. Lots and lots of people dislike this guy.
Mathgeek - January 27, 2012
That’s OK Shurmur and Jauron are players’ coaches so its sometimes good to have a “jerk” around.
I know about the Favre stuff, but is there somewhere else you’ve heard about that many people not liking him?
HenryDawg - January 28, 2012
Someone who would have some connections to the Vikings, told me that some players in the locker room didn’t like the way Childress threw TJax under the bus when he had a chance at bringing in Favre. Plus, picking up Favre at the airport, sending players to “recruit” him at home, allowing certain players to miss certain events while holding other guys to rules steadfast, etc. Then Favre who Childress bent over backwards for, trashed him to the press and Childress didn’t do anything about it. Then when Moss acted up, Childress went over his bosses head and tried to cut him.
Take it for what it’s worth, but that is what I heard. Now I will return to making fun of ESPN for using “source” stories.
Bernie19Kosar - January 28, 2012
I thought the way he did that to Tjax sucked.
HenryDawg - January 28, 2012
How would Childress cut a player when he doesn’t control players personnel?
Roger Dorn - January 29, 2012
Nevermind, read in Pluto’s article today that he did start having personnel control.
Roger Dorn - January 29, 2012
Yeah, it was the odd “triangle of authority”.
Bernie19Kosar - January 29, 2012
Yeah he did a pretty bad job of being a HC.
rufio - January 29, 2012
On related news a few days late..
GO TIGERS hell yes we got prince. Try to keep up with that you indian fans you
nickmar19 - January 27, 2012
Great deal for you in the next 5 years…
jerseywahoo - January 27, 2012
Baseball: where people who live in smelly, crappy cities get happy over the fact that their tax money went to DH’s.
SpecialBrownie - January 27, 2012
You guys officially have the worst defensive infield in MLB. So yes you will hit more HRs then us, but all we need are grounders to 1st or 3rd to reach base.
Justin Kowalczyk - January 27, 2012
It will be funny when the Twins have 27 bunt singles against Prince and Miggy.
Bernie19Kosar - January 28, 2012
I have already proposed the idea that the sound person at Progressive field NEEDS to play the benny hill theme on a hit to 3B
bross09 - January 28, 2012
Plenty happy with it. Most of his problems as a HC typically don’t affect a coordinator, and I like having ex-coaches fill the coordinator roles.
The way I see it, Childress is not:
A) Daboll
B) Nothing
So he’s the best OC we’ve had in years already.
nickjs21 - January 27, 2012 via Android app
I remember when we hired Jauron I really liked the hire. Hopefully Childress will be just as good.
macdowellm03 - January 27, 2012
Ive never understood having the Coordinator that isnt calling plays. So basically he coaches up the offense and preps for the opponent and then on game day just steps away? I mean im guessing theres more to it but I just dont see why you wouldnt have him calling the plays.
Justin Kowalczyk - January 27, 2012
Shurmur can’t keep tabs on the offense at all points in the game. Also, halftime adjustments will be made easier.
SpecialBrownie - January 27, 2012
That makes sense I guess. Im just curious how much good its really going to do us if the playcalling doesnt improve. Because the playcalling was awful this season.
Justin Kowalczyk - January 27, 2012
Playcalling should improve with two minds working to create mismatches and set offensive adjustments.
SpecialBrownie - January 27, 2012
The playcalling itself wasn’t that bad.
rufio - January 28, 2012
The execution however…
North Coast Flea - January 28, 2012
“I’m for it.” – John McKay
Bumblyjack - January 28, 2012
This didn’t get enough attention.
notthatnoise - January 29, 2012
Also some of the games I have beef with some of the things Shurmur called, but I’m able to sit in my living room and not have to deal with any of the “in the trenches” crap. On the whole, not terrible. And I’d love to see how it would change with new players.
Shurmur mentioned over and over our “small margin of error” on offense. We had to make solid yardage on every play to “stay on schedule” and make 3rd down convertable. If we get a few more playmakers or if we get better at converting 3rd and 6-8, I’d like to see what we begin to do.
rufio - January 29, 2012
Exactly, plus as the game progresses I’m certain that Chilly will be able to communicate adjustments that should be made in playcalling. Another set of experienced eyes is a good thing.
BornAKardiacKid - January 27, 2012
My issue is Childress only has 1 year of playcalling experience. And he struggled at it.
Justin Kowalczyk - January 27, 2012
And he won’t be calling them.
SpecialBrownie - January 27, 2012
Right but is having two awful playcallers together good for playcalling? I mean is it the whole double negative equals a positive thing?
Justin Kowalczyk - January 28, 2012
You know what else improves playcalling? Offensive talent.
nickjs21 - January 28, 2012 via Android app
Exactly.
rufio - January 28, 2012
Play calling last year wasn’t as bad as execution of the plays. At times playcalling was bland, but was that because of poor play calling or lack of talent at skill positions to execute the call? Shurmur will have less on his plate to deal with and hopefully this will improve his playcalling.
27BUCKEYE27 - January 28, 2012
I totally agree. Execution was poor and the talent was subpar. With more talent and another hand to prepare the players to execute, I think the playcalling will look better.
bross09 - January 28, 2012
He’s looking at the defense’s reactions to us. How can we get Norwood man to man with a LB? How can we get Little matched up on their 5’9" 185 CB? What do they do when we motion Evan Moore out wide?
etc, etc. One of those guys is watching the plays, the other one is calling them, they are both looking for ways to beat the defense. There’s so many possible reactions to different things: down/dist, personnel, formation, motion, field position, etc. You want to keep track of how the defense is responding to all of those so that you can exploit their moves later.
The way the NFL works, our first 20-25 plays are already scripted before the coin toss. “Calling” the play during the beginning of the game basically involves reading the Denny’s menu. If you get to 3rd down or another special situation, then you might pick one of 6 plays.
rufio - January 28, 2012
I agree. No way Shurmur had the time to look at the pre-snap, snap, and post-snap photos of every offensive play during the game. He had too many other things to pay attention to. Having another set of eyes and an experienced mind to do that can only help when it comes to making adjustments.
Bumblyjack - January 28, 2012
Well he’s watching the game, so he probably got a feel of what was going on but he’s also keeping track of a ton of other things like you mention. Having a guy in the booth (which is where I hope Childress will operate) would be great.
rufio - January 29, 2012
Plus the adjustments when the D is on the vfiled- the HC has to follow that, leaving only assistants with the O.
LondonBrown - January 28, 2012
Can’t be worse than Shurmur calling the plays, right?
Heavysoviet - January 27, 2012
Nope, because he’s still going to be calling the plays allegedly.
North Coast Flea - January 28, 2012
Excited we got an actual coordinator, I was afraid of them just slapping the title on one of their existing assistants.Though I do wish Shermur could stop calling plays.
sillflu - January 27, 2012
Hmm… I’m happy we have an OC now, but I’m undecided on the decision to get Childress. I’m just not sure what to think of it. I’m not so sure if everything that went south in Minnesota was his fault, and I’m not sure how much to credit him with the development of McNabb in Philly. It seems like it’ll definitely relieve stress off of Shurmur, but it’s just a question on how everyone’s chemistry will mix from the players to the coaches and even up into the front office. I guess I would say I’m satisfied, but I’m not excited.
Brownsbacker488 - January 28, 2012
Well...
Childress was going to join last season. However, his son is in the Marines and at the time was in Afghanistan. Childress became a 1st time grandfather to (twin girls) for the 1st time and his daughter in law was staying with him & his wife at the time (i got the info off a sirius NFL radio interview). These important family issues likely are what kept him out of the coaching staff last year. While he’s being criticized by ESPN & Rotoworld for his errors keep in mind that the guy did have the Vikings improving each year until his last. I dont think anyone would really mind that……?
sleepy042 - January 28, 2012
good info, I think he will help a huge amount.
HenryDawg - January 28, 2012
As others have said and will say, but I summarize:
1. Happy we have Childress as OC.
2. Happy that we have an actual OC.
3. Unhappy that Shurmur will stil be calling plays.
Aussie Brown - January 28, 2012
who?
pwndabear - January 28, 2012
I’m not too concerned about him calling the play since it will probably be in consultation with Childress.
HenryDawg - January 28, 2012
I expect a more nuanced playbook for Shurmur to call plays from, as well. Wasn’t a knock on the offense last season that it was such a basic version of the WCO that others had no trouble gameplanning it? I believe Florio had a story on it.
nickjs21 - January 28, 2012 via Android app
That was probably lack of training camp. No one had time to learn the trick version.
LondonBrown - January 28, 2012
That too.
This offense could look a lot different in 2012. An offseason, (assuming) a new WR and addition(s) to the OL, MAYBE a new QB, an OC.. who knows what happens at RB…
18-1 Patriots, eat your hearts out.
nickjs21 - January 28, 2012
God I’ll drink to that.
But seriously, yes. Actually Learning an O based on completely different fundamentals cant be a bad thing.
LondonBrown - January 29, 2012
Having two former HCs as the coordinators makes me happy.
Of course, anything can happen to spoil the potential wellness.
mr.saturday.night - January 28, 2012
I’m looking forward to a season where the new offense and the new defense have a season to work together and figure out who-the-heck-is-who
Royce Groff - January 28, 2012
Less weight on Pat’s shoulders and I guy that knows west coast. Hope they both learned from past mistakes and grow on it! That’s all I want is a team that grows……. Go browns.
Txbrownsfan - January 28, 2012 via mobile
Anyone know if Chilldress was on the field or in the booth when he was in Philly?
HenryDawg - January 28, 2012
He was in the booth in Philly.
champion64 - January 28, 2012
I like the Childress hire. No particular reason other than I know he is very experienced and has coached both sides of the ball. I think that kind of experience and the fact he is familiar with the system that they are trying to run is a good thing. The thing that is hard to tell is if there will be chemistry between all these coaches and that they will fulfill their roles given that all of them have been head coaches. I’m pretty sure that in the interviews all the coaches met and talked to Childress and then were able to talk to Holmgren in confidence. The hire was made so I’m thinking there isn’t this kind of issue apparent at this point.
Brownsyup - January 28, 2012
Childress in not acknowledged as a WCO guru, but I like the choice nevertheless.
I wonder if the Browns have diminished interest in Robert Griffin III since Childress has come aboard. I also wonder if the Browns will have a keener interest in Trent Richardson for the same reason.
mikeyclaw - January 28, 2012
No and hell no.
SpecialBrownie - January 28, 2012
Apologies to anyone I may have offended. After being humbled a few days ago by a few of you and having some time to think about what is really best option for the team with first pick. I think that if Griffin is there at 4 the Browns should take him. Its a lot easier to hit on a RB after the first round than a QB. However I would not give up any of our picks to move up two spots. My reasoning is that I think the Browns are in good shape either way if they stay 4. If Skins jump in front and trade with Rams then we get Blackmon which is a pretty good consolation prize.
27BUCKEYE27 - January 28, 2012
Rec, we’ve all been there.
HenryDawg - January 28, 2012
I don’t know why Chilly, an OC, will affect any of this.
bross09 - January 28, 2012
Taco Doritos smell like nicotine.
pwndabear - January 28, 2012
ot…have you guys seen the mock jerseys Nike has supposedly released…with them taking over next year…most if real at all are interesting to say the least…go browns
'thedrive'ruinedmy9thbirthday - January 28, 2012 via Android app
Seems like ours are the only ones that don’t look ridiculous. The Pats, Bengals, and Steelers ones all made me laugh.
North Coast Flea - January 28, 2012
Those are Photoshopped 2009 college Pro Combat uniforms made by fans. They’ve been floating around for a while now.
C.b.I - January 28, 2012
Hey do you have a link? That sounds interesting.
HenryDawg - January 28, 2012
Believe it was on jockspot.. I just googled 2012 Nike uniforms..the dates were old but it was nice to see the browns barely changed in appearance while others were more drastic.
'thedrive'ruinedmy9thbirthday - January 28, 2012 via Android app
Those uniforms are just something some guy made up a while ago. It’s not real.
Brownie's Year - January 29, 2012
Some of them are pretty sweet though. Love that the Browns is the same as always.
HenryDawg - January 29, 2012
I’ve seen two versions. One looks the same and the other is tricked out a little bit.
Also read that the Seahawks are the only team who agreed to a drastic uniform change.
Brownie's Year - January 29, 2012
If I was the seahawks, bucs, jax, carolina, etc. with basically no uniform history I would be all for getting some spiffy unis.
HenryDawg - January 29, 2012
The Jag’s unis don’t bother me. And I bet Seattle goes with more neon green baby poop stuff. They should stay with what they have. I like their all blues.
Brownie's Year - January 29, 2012
Carolina already has decent jerseys.
North Coast Flea - January 30, 2012
I like this hire and feel that the Browns have the best collective group of management from top to bottom that they have had since they have been back. Childress and Shurmur together should do fine.
27BUCKEYE27 - January 28, 2012
Jauron: Failed head coach.
Childress: Failed head coach.
Shurmur: …
Shurmur better be careful to whom he asks for advice.
tribe71 - January 28, 2012
There’s a pretty good precedent for failed head coaches to be outstanding coordinators. If Shurmur doesn’t want to join that club he should definitely be taking their advice.
HenryDawg - January 28, 2012
Generally to get said HC jobs they had to have been at least competent coordinators in the first place.
North Coast Flea - January 28, 2012
Also, it seems to me that some good coaches were not very good in their first head coaching job but they improved after having that experience. Bellichick is an example of this.
Legoman0721 - January 28, 2012 via Android app
I’d say he was decent enough in Cleveland. He just happened to luck in to the diamond in the rough in NE and was able to build a team around him.
North Coast Flea - January 28, 2012
I know that around here Bellichick doesn’t get a lot of respect because of his history, but he’s still generally regarded as one of the top coaches in the league.
Legoman0721 - January 29, 2012 via Android app
There are also plenty of failed head coaches who have failed in their return as coordinators, it’s just not a memorable.
Roger Dorn - January 29, 2012
Look what RAC has done. or mike nolan…Cam Cameron? There is a great precedent just of guys I can think of without googling anything.
bross09 - January 29, 2012
Not sure about the rest of you, but I’m very confident that the Browns are headed in the right direction. Childress is a very good offensive mind as is Shurmur. Give these guys a chance. The Browns are so much better off than just two years ago. Not saying we will win a super bowl but we are headed back into contention and that is not something I would not have said during the years of Mangini, Davis, Crennel, and that skinny geek that was our GM when Crennel was Coach
27BUCKEYE27 - January 28, 2012
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