Stump Mitchell sends message to Browns after surprise firing.
The Cleveland Browns made quite a few changes to their offensive coaching staff this week, with tight ends and quarterbacks coach Stump Mitchell remaining intact.
Cleveland Josina Anderson, CBS Sports. Mitchell released an official statement Thursday thanking owner, general manager Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski. Mitchell then addressed the players he has coached, including those on the roster. I have to tell the truth because of the players and running backs who struggle to put on a Browns hat and show up on game day. We did everything we could to continue your efforts and expand your capabilities, and it paid off. The Browns community has been instrumental in embracing my vision to bring the Bill Willis Variety Training Cooperation into the system. Over the years, the program has opened its doors to three young black mentors, starting with the Ashton Award and ending with Israel Woolfork and Nemo Washington, who currently serve as quarterback mentors for the Arizona Cardinals. Most of all, I am so thankful for the loyal support of my family, the loyal and dedicated Ohio State fans, and especially my love for Browns Charities. We really appreciate your help. I predict the next steps in research
Stump Mitchell has been a longtime NFL mentor, including the past five years with Earth Colors.
Mitchell played in the NFL for the Cardinals from 1981 to 1989, according to Genius Football Reference. He spent eight seasons, first in St. Louis and then the last two seasons in Phoenix.
He began his career in 1999 and spent twice as much energy as an NFL coach, including nine years with the Seattle Seahawks. According to Ace Football History, Mitchell worked for what was then known as the Washington Authority for two years.
He stayed away from professional football for the next three seasons before taking a job as pitching coach for the Arizona Cardinals in 2013. Mitchell spent three seasons in the desert before taking the same position with the New York Jets. He lived in New York from 2017 to 2018 and joined the Browns in 2019 as the running backs coach and running game coordinator. He remained in Cleveland until Wednesday, when the team released him.
The association’s choice to retain Mitchell is interesting for several reasons. The first is that while the offense has been pretty good since Joe Flacco arrived, it was an offense the team chose to upgrade.
The running game, in particular, has been at an all-time high since Mitchell joined the team in 2019. The bulk of his residency in Cleveland began a year after the Browns drafted Scratch Chubb.
Chubb won four consecutive aces from 2019 to 2022 after the team selected him in the next round (35th overall) before the 2018 season. Chubb replaced two-year starter Jerome Portage, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
According to Master Football Reference, Portage got the job done, finishing the year with 813 rushing yards and four TDs, along with 44 catches for 319 yards and five scores. Portage’s prosperity and Mitchell’s suspension, with Chubb entering the final extension of his three-year, $36.6 million contract in 2024 and a $15.8 million cap hit, will likely boost Chubb’s credibility among the team’s top candidates. Make your compensation fail this offseason.
The Browns could save more than $11.8 million by cutting or trading Chubb over the next few months, but will have about $14 million in cap space next season.