The Cleveland Browns are set to bring in Seattle Seahawks offensive line coach Andy Dickerson to replace Bill Callahan, who departed to join his son Brian’s coaching staff in Tennessee, according to an anonymous source familiar with the decision. Dickerson, who interviewed for the Browns’ offensive coordinator position (which ultimately went to Ken Dorsey), previously worked for Cleveland in 2009-10 under coach Eric Mangini. The addition of Dickerson will be part of coach Kevin Stefanski’s staff reshuffling following a season that included an 11-6 regular record and a playoff appearance.
Bill Callahan, known as one of the NFL’s top line coaches, left the Browns after four seasons, and the team granted him the opportunity to join his son with the Titans. In his new role, Dickerson will oversee the Browns’ offensive line, which features Pro Bowl guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller but struggled with injuries at tackle last season.
Dickerson, who began with the Seahawks as the run game coordinator, spent the past three seasons with the team, which recently underwent coaching changes after firing Pete Carroll. He also has experience as an assistant with the Los Angeles Rams.
Stefanski’s staff overhaul includes Dorsey taking over as offensive coordinator, replacing Alex Van Pelt, who was let go after four seasons and subsequently hired as New England’s offensive coordinator. Van Pelt desired the opportunity to call plays, and it is expected that he will do so with the Patriots. Stefanski has not confirmed whether he will hand over play-calling duties to Dorsey, who was previously fired by Buffalo.
Additionally, Stefanski made changes by firing running backs coach Stump Mitchell and choosing not to retain tight ends coach T.C. McCartney. Their positions have been filled by Duce Staley and Tommy Rees, respectively. The official announcement of Dickerson’s hiring is pending the signing of his contract.