Pro Bowler Joel Bitonio Breaks Silence on Browns Firing Offensive Coaches

The Cleveland Browns are undergoing a major overhaul of their offensive coaching staff, and one of their most decorated members talked about the move Tuesday night.

Left guard Joel Bitonio speaks to reporters at the 24th annual Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on the evening of Jan. 23. The five-time All-Pro was asked by the media about the Browns’ decision to fire offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, the organization’s biggest decision this offseason.

“I think Coach Stefanski needs to keep making changes. He did some things at guard last year and some things on offense this year. We did that on special teams last year, too,” Bitonio added. But I can’t say enough good things about AVP. He was such an amazing friend. For us he was a real example of the mentality of playing for your brothers and you never want the boys to leave. CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson was quick to report on Cleveland’s choice to hire Van Pelt, running backs coach Stump Mitchell and tight ends coach T.C. January 17 McCartney. Anderson also noted in his report that “some players were upset by this news.”

The call was somewhat interesting for the Browns offense, especially Van Pelt’s play when the team brought in quarterback Joe Flacco and traded him for the starting job. Flacco found his way to 300 yards and a 4-1 finish, putting Cleveland in a tie for fifth in the AFC.

The Houston Texans defeated the Cleveland Browns 45-14 on Super Wild Card Weekend. In part, that’s because Flacco threw two interceptions on the first two drives of the second half. Both were returned for touchdowns by the Texas defense. In all, Cleveland’s top quarterback allowed 24 points in the first half, Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud had an assist. He wasted time as 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and his teammates failed to bring home a single sack during the game. RB Scratch Chubb is one of Brown’s potential upsets.

Brown’s offense could be used to make some headway in a hostile scheme that could include both significant extensions and roster cuts.

A talked about player for the future is four-time Genius Bowl winner Scratch Chubb. Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 and will need two medical procedures to rehab. He is entering the final year of his $36.6 million contract in 2024, and the team could save more than $11.8 million by cutting or trading Chubb this offseason. Rowing forward Jerome Ford had a sophomore season in 2023. That would allow Cleveland to release Chubb and fill some roster spots.