CLEVELAND — Ken Dorsey is here as the Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator, Duce Staley is here and so is Tommy Rees. I wish them all great luck in their new jobs with the Browns offense.
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But it was last Thursday night when I was on Front Row when the worst news of this offseason came to me and then you. Bill Callahan was leaving the Browns as their offensive line coach to be with his son, Brian, who is the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans. The Browns didn't play a game last Thursday night, but it feels like they took a loss. The best offensive line coach in the game is leaving. It's not a loss the Browns could have done anything about. It's family! What a unique set of circumstances. Bill will work for his son. Usually, a son will work for his dad. Bill Belichick's two sons worked for him with the Patriots. Norv Turner always had his son, Scott, with him. The two were together here in Cleveland. Kyle Shanahan worked for his dad, Mike. Gregg Williams had Blake on his defensive staff with the Browns. But a dad working for his son is a pretty special deal. So, I have to say good luck to Bill Callahan and thanks for four great years making the Browns offensive line a proud unit that went out and dominated games.
I used to love to watch Callahan drill his linemen at training camp practices. It was incredible watching him teach techniques. I watched last year when he took Dawand Jones and pushed and pushed and pushed him to get better. And then in the opener against the Bengals when Jack Conklin went down with a serious injury, here comes Dawand Jones and the Browns never missed a beat at right tackle. Jones is ready to be great thanks to Bill Callahan.
Replacing Bill Callahan is the most important hire the Browns will make. If you're going to keep Deshaun Watson healthy, if you're going to open those running lanes for Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford, then you need a great offensive line. Callahan was Kevin Stefanski's best hire when he took the job in 2020. Now in 2024 it will be his most critical hire to replace him. And the clock is ticking because coaching staffs are being assembled by all of these teams who have new hires at head coach.
Before I go, a sad left turn today. The amazing country singer Toby Keith passed away last night. Stomach cancer took him after a fierce fight. I loved his songs. I loved his spirit. I loved going to Blossom's lawn and listening to hit after hit. Today, I lift a "Red Solo Cup" to Toby Keith! God bless him and take care of him.
I'll see you on 3News tonight!
