CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns’ coaching search committee continued their mission of finding the next full-time head coach Friday when the organization confirmed their fourth candidate interview for the vacancy.
After interviewing current interim coach/defensive coordinator Gregg Williams Tuesday and former Indianapolis Colts/Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell, the Browns brought in longtime Minnesota Vikings assistant Kevin Stefanski for a formal interview and confirmed the meeting on Twitter following its conclusion.
On Friday, the Browns brought in New Orleans Saints assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell for an interview.
Here are three things to know about Campbell as the Browns continue their coaching search:
BEEN NFL HEAD COACH BEFORE
Campbell started his post-playing career as Miami’s tight ends coach and served as the interim head coach for the final 12 games of the 2015 season. During that time, Campbell led the Dolphins to a 5-7 record, including a 20-10 win over the New England Patriots in the season finale.
Under Campbell’s guidance, the Dolphins drastically improved their run game, moving up eight spots in the NFL rankings in rushing yards per game. Lamar Miller gained 741 of his 872 yards running the ball and all eight of his rushing touchdowns under Campbell’s guidance.
Miller finished the 2015 season with 1,269 total offensive yards and 10 touchdowns, and quarterback Ryan Tannehill became the first Dolphins player to throw for at least 4,000 yards in back-to-back seasons since Hall of Fame signal-caller Dan Marino accomplished the feat from 1984-1986.
Five Dolphins earned Pro Bowl invitations in 2015, including current Browns receiver Jarvis Landry.
PLENTY OF EXPERIENCE
Campbell has nearly 20 years of experience at the NFL level, 11 as a player for the New York Giants (1999-2002), Dallas Cowboys (2003-2005), Detroit Lions (2006-2008) and Saints (2009), and eight as a coach for the Dolphins (2010-2015) and Saints (2016 to present).
As a player, Campbell played in 114 games, made 75 starts and was on the receiving end of 91 passes, which he turned into 934 yards and 11 touchdowns over his 11 seasons.
GENERATES RESULTS
Across the NFL in 2018, the tight end position was one of the most inconsistent performers in the pass game, but Campbell found a way to generate production from his group with the Saints.
Benjamin Watson, Josh Hill and Dan Arnold combined for 63 catches, which turned into 735 yards, an average of 11.67 yards per reception, and four touchdowns. Each of the Saints’ three tight ends had at least one 20-yard catch, with Watson having the longest reception, a 32-yarder.
In 2016, Campbell’s tight ends were a part of an offense that led the NFL in total yards per game and ranked second in points per outing. Last season, the Saints’ tight ends served as extra blockers for the NFL’s fifth-best rushing attack.
Should Campbell take over as coach of the Browns, he will inherit a roster of tight ends that generated 853 yards and eight touchdowns on 75 catches in 2018, with second-year player David Njoku leading the way with 639 yards and four scores on 56 receptions.
