Browns Hire Pat Shurmur as Head Coach

[Ron Sellers]

Ohio.com - Browns hire Shurmur as head coach

The Browns' search for their new head coach started and ended with the same man — former St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.

Shurmur replaces Eric Mangini, who was fired Jan. 3 after guiding the team to records of 5-11 in consecutive seasons.

Shurmur, 45, has never been a head coach before and he has been an offensive coordinator for just the past two seasons. But his ties to the Browns' front office and roots in the West Coast offense helped his cause.

As an assistant coach for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2008, Shurmur learned the West Coast system from coach Andy Reid, one of Holmgren's proteges. He also got to know Heckert, who worked in the Eagles' front office for nine years. He is the nephew of the late Fritz Shurmur, who was a defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers while Holmgren was the coach.

The Browns also interviewed Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, 49, and New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, 48.

Shurmur is an offensive-minded coach who has experience developing young quarterbacks. He helped Donovan McNabb earn three Pro Bowl selections, and his most recent work was with Rams quarterback Sam Bradford. Those attributes appeal to Holmgren, who said he wanted a coach who had "a little bit more pizzazz" and the ability to help shape Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

 

[brady199]

Is this becasue they didn't want to pay for a legitimate coaching canidate?

 

[Titanium Coate Hanger]

Honestly I do think this was partly a cost saving move. ( i.e. the same for owners keeping Del Rio and Fisher despite other indications to the contrary)

I don't think Mangini did a horrible job with that team. He took a little and made a lot out of it. That team played hard for him until it was clear he was a lame duck in the last few games.

Mangini's temperament might be more suited as a GM instead of a coach. He does have an eye for talent. If I was a college AD with a rocky program, I might take a chance on the guy. His style might fit the college game better where he can be tougher and do more teaching.

Honestly I think this is a mistake for the Browns. Holmgren was an atrocious GM with the Seahawks.

Curious what the Bills will do at D coordinator. Or if the Colts are ready to change it up. Mangini can scheme against the Patriots offense. The guy might be a horrible people person, but Belichick saw raw talent in that guy for a reason.

 

[Patspsycho]

This means Rob Ryan is out of a job.

 

[Brady'sGOAT]

This means Rob Ryan is out of a job.

Why is that?

 

[BelichickFan]

This means Rob Ryan is out of a job.

Yeah, I've read that he has stopped showing up and that he is gone.

 

[Deus Irae]

The Browns are going to become a west coast offense, and they're ditching a 3-4 D.C.. Leads me to wonder just how many players will be on the outs.

 

[ausbacker]

I'd be happy to take Peyton Hillis, Joe Haden, Joe Thomas and Ahtyba Rubin off their hands.

 

[BelichickFan]

I'd be happy to take Peyton Hillis, Joe Haden, Joe Thomas and Ahtyba Rubin off their hands.

Rubin is the only one who may not fit for the new Browns although he could probably play 4-3 DT just like Wilfork could.

 

[WhiZa]

They have a good DC in Rob Ryan, and by getting rid of the 3-4 is like saying they don't want to make the playoffs for another 3 years. I think he'd make a good complement to an offensive head coach.