Sports
Browns’ New Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees Tight-Lipped on NFL Draft Strategy
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns introduced Tommy Rees as their new offensive coordinator on Thursday, but the former Alabama assistant remained tight-lipped about the team’s plans for the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Rees, who previously worked with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, declined to speculate on whether the Browns might target his former player or any other draft prospects.
“As a person, I have a lot of love for Jalen, a lot of respect for Jalen,” Rees said during his introductory press conference. “But I’m really not going to expand much on anybody in the draft right now. Just know that I have a lot of love for Jalen as the man he is and wish him all the best.”
The Browns face significant uncertainty at quarterback heading into the 2025 season. Deshaun Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022, has been plagued by injuries and suspensions, playing in just 19 of 51 games since joining the team. Watson’s 2024 season ended prematurely when he ruptured his right Achilles tendon on Oct. 20, requiring a second surgery. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the only other quarterback currently under contract for 2025.
Rees, who spent the 2024 season as the Browns’ tight ends coach and pass-game coordinator, emphasized the importance of adaptability in building an offense. “I think you want to build an offense that has flexibility to cater to any quarterback’s strengths,” he said. “We have to be malleable in our ability to shape the offense to really highlight the strengths of that player.”
During his time at Alabama, Rees worked closely with Milroe, who passed for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2023 while adding 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities align with the NFL’s growing trend of mobile quarterbacks, a model Rees acknowledged as increasingly valuable. “The ability to extend and create has definitely taken an uptick over the last however many years,” he said. “It’s not the only criteria, but you certainly see it as a trend.”
Rees brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as an offensive coordinator at Notre Dame and as an offensive assistant with the San Diego Chargers in 2016. He credited former Alabama coach Nick Saban and other mentors for shaping his coaching philosophy. “Being under coach Saban and learning how he ran his program was something I will value my entire life,” Rees said.
While Rees will oversee the Browns’ offense, head coach Kevin Stefanski will retain play-calling duties, a responsibility he relinquished briefly during the 2024 season. The Browns finished the season with a league-worst 3-14 record, scoring the fewest points in the NFL. “We want to have a system that is sound, explosive, and player-centric,” Rees said. “It’s always going to be in the front of the mind to make sure we’re doing things that are sound football-wise.”
With 12 draft picks and the No. 2 overall selection, the Browns are poised to make significant moves as they aim to rebuild their offense. Rees’ ability to adapt and innovate will be critical as Cleveland looks to turn the page on a disappointing 2024 campaign.