The Detroit Lions have only faced the Cleveland Browns once in the Dan Campbell era, a 13-10 loss in his inaugural 2021 season. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski was at the helm in that game, but he has since swapped out his coordinators, including adding a former Lions head coach to run his defense.
Let’s take a closer look at the Browns’ coaching staff, the scheme that they run, and some scouting notes from previously viewed games.
Browns head coach: Kevin Stefanski
NFL coaching seasons: 20 (2006-2019 with Vikings, OC in 2019)
Head coaching seasons: 6 (AP Coach of the Year, 2020 and 2023)
Influences: Gary Kubiak, Norv Turner, Brad Childress, Pat Shurmer, Bill Musgrave, Leslie Frazier
Playcaller: Yes
Note: Stefanski was the Browns playcaller in 2024, but when the offense regressed, he passed those duties to then-OC Ken Dorsey. When Dorsey couldn’t improve the offense in the final eight games, he was fired in the offseason. The solution for 2025 was to promote from within, and Stefanski is re-assuming play-calling duties in 2025.
Offensive coordinator: Tommy Rees
Playing career: QB at Notre Dame 2010-13, Commanders practice squad in 2014
NFL coaching seasons: 2 (Notre Dame OC 2020-22, Alabama OC 2023)
Offensive coordinator seasons: 1 (promoted from passing game specialist/tight ends coach)
Influences: Mike McCoy, Brian Kelly, Marcus Freeman, Nick Saban, Ken Dorsey
Key staff: Duce Staley, Running backs coach
Passing game: Pro Style, Shanahan/Kubiak-influenced
Running scheme: Shanahan wide-zone, with Gap, Duo, and Trap folded in
Staples of scheme:
Defensive coordinator: Jim Schwartz
NFL coaching seasons: 29 (Head coach of the Detroit Lions 2009-13)
Defensive coordinator seasons: 17 (Titans 2001-08, Bills 2014, Eagles 2016-2020, Browns 2023-present)
NFL personnel scout: Browns (1993-95) under Bill Belichick (HC) and Nick Saban (DC)
Influences: Marvin Lewis, Belichick, Saban, Jeff Fisher, Gregg Williams
Base: Attacking 42
Coverage: Heavy press-man with single-high Cover-1, with Cover-2 or 3 zone mixed in
Staples of scheme:
Dan Campbell on the Browns’ defense
“This defense is outstanding for Cleveland. So, we’re going to have our hands full here. Short week, but we’ll be ready to go.”
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