Browns Hire Mike Bloomgren as New Offensive Line Coach

The Cleveland Browns have announced the hiring of Mike Bloomgren as their new offensive line coach, bringing in a seasoned coach with extensive experience at both the collegiate and professional levels. Bloomgren, who previously served as the head coach at Rice University, will now lead the Browns’ offensive line unit under head coach Kevin Stefanski.

“Mike has a wealth of knowledge and is extremely bright,” Stefanski said in a statement. “In addition to his NFL experience, he has worked in a number of pro-style offenses on the college level. He has proven to be successful as a teacher and motivator, which will be vital for our offensive line room. We are excited to add Mike to our coaching staff.”

Bloomgren spent seven seasons at Rice, where he led the program to back-to-back bowl game appearances in 2022 and 2023, marking the first time the team achieved this feat since 2013-2014. Prior to his tenure at Rice, Bloomgren was a key figure at Stanford University, serving as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 2013 to 2017. During his time at Stanford, he helped develop NFL stars such as Andrew Luck and Christian McCaffrey.

Bloomgren’s NFL experience includes a stint with the New York Jets from 2007 to 2010, where he worked under Bill Callahan, a respected offensive line coach. He held various roles with the Jets, including offensive quality control coach, offensive assistant, and assistant offensive coordinator. His time in the NFL, combined with his collegiate success, makes him a valuable addition to the Browns’ coaching staff.

The Browns’ offensive line has been a cornerstone of their success in recent years, featuring Pro Bowl players like Joel Bitonio, Jack Conklin, Ethan Pocic, and Wyatt Teller. However, the unit faced significant injury challenges during the 2024 season, leading to inconsistent performance. Bloomgren’s task will be to restore stability and maximize the potential of a group that includes both seasoned veterans and emerging talents like Dawand Jones.

“I am excited about joining this organization,” Bloomgren said. “From the Haslams to the alignment with Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski, I think it’s an exciting time to be here. The commitment they all have to making this place great, and making another playoff run, is everything I want to be a part of.”

Bloomgren’s hiring comes as the Browns aim to rebound from a challenging 2024 season and return to playoff contention in 2025. His track record of developing talent and his familiarity with pro-style offenses make him a strong fit for the team’s aspirations.