Cleveland Browns working to hire Tommy Rees as tight ends coach

According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, the Cleveland Browns are working toward hiring former Alabama offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. No exact position has yet been determined but Rees is expected to be involved with tight ends and the offensive passing game.

“Sources: The Browns are working to hire Tommy Rees as tight ends coach, and he’ll have a role in the overall development of the pass game,” Jackson said via X. “His exact title is uncertain and the hire is not yet official. Rees, 31, was Alabama offensive coordinator last season.”

If the hire does go through, Cleveland will mark Rees’ second stop in the NFL. He spent one year with the former San Diego Chargers, working as an offensive analyst under head coach Mike McCoy. Otherwise, Rees has worked in college football.

This will be the third stop in as many years for Rees. He took a leap of faith leaving his alma mater, Notre Dame, where he was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Nick Saban wanted Rees in Tuscaloosa to work with Jalen Milroe and they were able to have some success.

Alabama overcame some early offensive struggles, eventually winning the SEC Championship and making the College Football Playoff. Rees led a top-25 scoring offense in the country but will now reportedly make his way to the NFL, working with tight ends.

Rees will be replacing T.C. McCartney, who was fired by Cleveland following the AFC Divisional Round loss to the Houston Texans. McCartney previously held the position for the last two seasons.

Tommy Rees getting to coach impressive Cleveland tight ends

Cleveland has a top tight end room in all of the NFL, headlined by David Njoku. He finished as the Browns’ second-leading receiver, coming just behind Amari Cooper. Njoku caught 81 passes for 882 yards and six touchdowns.

Among tight ends across the league, Njoku finished No. 6 in the receiving yards category.

Jordan Akins was the second tight end for most of the season, while Harrison Bryant dealt with injuries and only played in nine games. Rees is stepping into a talented room, ready to be productive for whoever Cleveland’s quarterback is during the 2024 season.

Deshaun Watson is thought to be the guy but injuries have been a big story of his time with the Browns thus far. If healthy, Rees is expected to work in the passing game and help Watson get back to the level we all say him at while in Houston.