Browns Plainly Podcast

Jackson and Anthony discuss each of the candidates tied to the Browns' defensive coordinator vacancy and who they think the frontrunner is as well as their favorite among the group. They also briefly touch on the end of the season and the future of Mike Priefer

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Browns To Interview Veteran DC Jim Schwartz | What To Expect From His Scheme?

Get To Know Jim Schwartz

Age: 56

Position: Senior defensive assistant

NFL coaching experience: Cleveland Browns, personnel scout, 1993-95; Baltimore Ravens, outside linebackers coach, 1996-98; Tennessee Titans, defensive assistant, 1999; Titans, linebackers coach, 2000; Titans, defensive coordinator, 2001-08; Detroit Lions, head coach, 2009-13; Buffalo Bills, defensive coordinator, 2014; Philadelphia Eagles, defensive coordinator, 2016-20; Titans, senior defensive assistant, 2021-present.

About Schwartz: The unquestioned graybeard of the group of known targets. Roots in the NFL date back to the original Browns, when he was one of Bill Belichick's famed "slappies" that also included the likes of Eric Mangini, Phil Savage, Kirk Ferentz, Scott Pioli and Thomas Dimitroff. … A proponent of the 4-3 defensive scheme Woods also ran, and which best fits the talents of Browns All-Pro end Myles Garrett. … Believer in man-to-man coverage in secondary. That could play to strengths of Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward and rising-star cornerback Greg Newsome II, who just finished his second season with the Browns. … Was a defensive assistant on Titans' 1999 AFC championship team. … Called a "mastermind" by Titans' All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth for his schemes while running the Titans' defense from 2001-08. … Went 29-52 as the Detroit Lions' head coach. … Did reach the NFC playoffs in his third season as the Lions coach, losing to the New Orleans Saints in the wild card round. … Turned around an Eagles defense that ranked in the 30s before his arrival as defensive coordinator, with the unit ranking fourth by his second season in 2017. That season, Philadelphia won the Super Bowl, defeating the Patriots 41-33. … Has spent the last two seasons helping with the Titans' defensive staff, essentially serving as a sounding board for the coaches in the meeting room.

What they're saying about Schwartz: Titans coach Mike Vrabel, via TennesseeTitans.com: "I think what his role is, it's just like everybody else: To help the team, to help us win. No job is too small for any of us, and I am confident that is what he'll do. As he works his way into what we are doing, it has been good to see him meeting with different guys and meeting with the defense and meeting with me. I would imagine that maybe he would look at players for the draft, as we get down here and we get a different set of eyes, a guy that has been around the league for a lot of years and has been successful."

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The Browns are searching for a new defensive coordinator and our Football Insider subscribers have questions about the direction this will take. Lucky for them, Mary Kay Cabot has answers in her Hey, Mary Kay! edition of the Orange and Brown Talk Podcast.

Will the Browns find a coordinator to fit their talent? Will their scheme change dramatically? Mary Kay and Dan Labbe start with those questions.

Then they answer questions about Kevin Stefanski, Browns expectations for this season and more.

Lance Reisland also joins the show to look back at the loss to the Steelers.

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Music credit:

Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Deshaun Watson going to have ‘man-to-man’ talk with Kevin Stefanski about future of offense, welcomes high expectations for 2023. Deshaun Watson quickly slammed the book shut on the 2022 season. Less than 24 hours after a 28-14 loss in the finale in Pittsburgh, his focus had shifted to the changes necessary for him and the Browns to finally meet expectations next season after going 7-10. The process started Monday with a discussion with coach Kevin Stefanski and will continue Tuesday with another meeting about an offense Watson expects to look “totally different” in 2023. “We’re going to have a man-to-man conversation, nothing negative or anything like that,” he said as players cleared out their lockers. “Just what can we do to be better offensively.”

Watson felt he couldn’t fully establish himself as a player or leader in his first year with the Browns because he was suspended for 11 games to open the season after more than two dozen women accused him of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. He was banned from Browns headquarters for six weeks and didn’t play until Dec. 4. “My next step in taking that leadership role is really stepping up there and really taking this whole locker room under my wings,” he said. “I’m looking forward to that. This year was kind of tough with being in the building, being outside the building, all the different changes and all the unknowns.”

Stefanski said he was undeterred despite going 15-19 over the last two seasons. “I am in no way discouraged for the future of this football team,” he said. “We are determined to put in the work this offseason to shape this team and make sure that we really are just playing good football come next September.” Watson is the key. The Browns gave up a net of five draft picks to acquire him from the Texans, then gave him a five-year, fully guaranteed $230 million contract because they believe he can be among the elite quarterbacks in an AFC loaded with them. Watson went to the Pro Bowl in 2018-20 and led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards in 2020. This year he completed 58.2 percent — well below his career average of 67 percent — for 1,102 yards, 6.5 per attempt, seven touchdowns, five interceptions, 20 sacks and a 79.1 rating. He also rushed for a touchdown.

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The Browns parted ways with defensive coordinator Joe Woods on Monday following a disappointing 7-10 season. Woods' defense was inconsistent throughout the season and struggled with blown coverages and stopping the run.

Mary Kay Cabot, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe discussed the firing of Woods on our Tuesday edition of the Orange and Brown Talk Podcast. Was he the scapegoat for bigger problems? What happens if the defense continues to struggle under a new coordinator?

Then they look at the early candidates for the job. Who do they like to take over as the next coordinator?

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Music credit:

Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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The Cleveland Browns fired Joe Woods on Black Monday. On this episode of The Locked On Browns Podcast we discuss 5 possible candidates to replace Joe Woods as the Browns defensive coordinators we're considering. As the Browns prepare for their next season, it's important to keep an eye on the defensive coordinator position. With Joe Woods now fired, it's time for the team to look for a new coordinator. In this video, we're discussing 5 possible candidates to replace Joe Woods as the Browns defensive coordinator. Stay tuned for more updates!

1. EJIRO EVERO – DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR, DENVER BRONCOS

Evero is already a Defensive Coordinator with the Denver Broncos, but it looks like Head Coach Nathanial Hackett is unlikely to see a second season. This would leave Evero looking for a job unless the Broncos hire him as their next Head Coach. Evero has been one of the only bright spots in Denver this year, heading up the 4th ranked defense in DVOA. Evero is widely regarded as a rising star in the NFL at 41-years-old.

2. MIKE ZIMMER - CONSULTANT, JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY

Mike Zimmer was Head Coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 2014-2021; Stefanski was on his staff for six seasons. In 2018, Stefanski was promoted to interim Offensive Coordinator and later named the full-time Offensive Coordinator. Zimmer is 66 years old and served as a consultant for one of his favorite former players, Deion Sanders, at Jackson State University this season.

3. JIM SCHWARTZ - SENIOR DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT, TENNESSEE TITANS

Jim Schwartz is now in his 12th season with the Titans and his 29th in the NFL. After eight years on the staff as a defensive coordinator (1999-2008), he returned to the team in 2021 as a senior defensive assistant. Schwartz has been a defensive coordinator in the NFL for 14 years and was a head coach for the Detroit Lions for four years (2009-13). In addition, Schwartz worked for the Philadelphia Eagles as their defensive coordinator from 2016 until 2020, helping them win a Super Bowl in 2017.

4. ERIC WASHINGTON – SENIOR DEFENSIVE ASSISTANT/DEFENSIVE LINE, BUFFALO BILLS

Eric Washington joined the Bills in 2020 as the team's defensive line coach and was promoted to senior defensive assistant/defensive line coach before the start of the 2022 season. In Washington's first season with the Bills, they went to the AFC Championship game, and in his second season, he helped lead a defense that ranked first in the NFL in the fewest points allowed per game (17.0) for the first time in franchise history. In 2018, Washington led the Panthers' defense from 28th to 12th in interceptions, 32nd to 13th in passes defended, and 18th to 9th in tackles for loss. Washington reunited with McDermott in Buffalo after Rivera was fired from the Panthers.

5. JIM LEONHARD - INTERIM HEAD COACH, UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

Jim Leonhard is one of the top defensive minds in the college game. He went 4-3 as the interim Head Coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, replacing Paul Chryst halfway through the season. Still, Wisconsin has elected to hire Luke Fickell as their new head coach. Over the last five seasons running the Badger defense, he led them to top five in total defense five times and top 10 in scoring defense four times.

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On this final postgame podcast of the 2022 Cleveland Browns football season, Mary Kay Cabot, Dan Labbe, Ashley Bastock, Irie Harris and Doug Lesmerises look at what went wrong on Sunday, what went wrong this season, and what changes might be ahead to make the Browns a better team in 2023.

First, Mary Kay (0:20) assesses Deshaun Watson's year and then suggests what players and coaches may not be back in Cleveland next season.

Then Dan, Ashley and Irie jump on and start off by each saying a nice thing about the Browns (18:08). Then comes a comparison of some Watson stats and some Baker Mayfield stats (23:30).

Then they discuss what they learned about Watson this season (31:03.) A discussion of preseason picks and expectations compared to what happened then follows (37:00).

Then it's a debate over whether defensive coordinator Joe Woods should return (46:25), followed by questions about locker room culture (51:40).

Lastly, everyone says what kind of team the Browns might be next year (1:01:28).

Thanks for listening to the Orange and Brown Talk Podcast.

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Music credit:

Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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In this episode of the SECRETS Behind the Beef Between Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, we talk about Clowney's comments towards Kevin Stefanski, Myles Garrett, and Joe Woods. Clowney was sit home after he voiced his frustration with the defensive scheme in Cleveland. We also discuss Joe Woods Brown's and whether he will be fired at the end of the year. We give predictions for Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers. Don't miss this episode of the SECRETS Behind the Beef, where we reveal the secrets behind the drama between the two stars of the Cleveland NFL sports scene. Tune in to find out what's really going on!

Myles Garrett said Friday that he was "disappointed" and "a little bit confused" by comments from fellow defensive end Jadeveon Clowney that prompted the Cleveland Browns to send Clowney home before Friday's practice.

"I knew he was frustrated. We've all been frustrated; we're not winning," Garrett said. "I wish we could've talked about this man-to-man. ... I wish he would have handled it a little bit differently." On Thursday, Clowney told Cleveland.com that he was "95 percent sure" he would not be re-signing with the Browns, in large part because he believes the team has favored Garrett over him.

Clowney did not play on the opening series the next weekend on "Monday Night Football" against the Cincinnati Bengals, although he entered the game on Cincinnati's second possession. Garrett said he didn't even realize Clowney was refusing to play on first or second down against Baltimore until the next week. "I assumed he was hurt," Garrett said. "I just assumed something was holding him back."

Clowney has had a disappointing second season for the 7-9 Browns, who were eliminated from the AFC playoff picture two weeks ago. After racking up nine sacks with the Browns last season, Clowney has only two sacks this year. He also sat four games with ankle and concussion injuries.

Clowney is a free agent again this offseason, having signed back-to-back one-year deals with the Browns. Garrett, meanwhile, has a team-high 15 sacks, fourth-most in the NFL, and was named to a fourth Pro Bowl. Garrett also has faced the highest double-team rate (31.3%) of any edge rusher in the league this season. Despite that, he's second among edge rushers in pass rush win rate (27.8%); Clowney's pass rush win rate is just 16.5%.

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Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney told Mary Kay Cabot he is '95 percent sure' he won't be back next season and laid out the issues he has had this season leading to his proclamation.

Mary Kay, Doug Lesmerises, Ashley Bastock and Dan Labbe discuss what Clowney had to say in his interview, how the Browns will respond, if there's any chance Clowney will be back next season and more.

Then they get into preview mode. Irie Harris joins the show for prop bets. Lance Reisland gives his scouting report on the Steelers. Then everyone makes their picks for Sunday's game in Pittsburgh.

Want to get involved in Football Insider? Click here for more info and to sign up.

Music credit:

Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3898-ice-flow

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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Jackson is joined by Tony Serino of AFC North Talk and Steeler Country to discuss the upcoming matchup, the Steelers' second-half turnaround, Kenny Pickett's growth as a rookie, and the aftermath of the Damar Hamlin near tragedy from Monday night in Cincinnati

Follow Tony on Twitter @SteelerCountry and check out AFC North Talk on YouTube

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