The Cleveland Browns made swift changes following a disappointing 3-14 season, one that fell far below expectations and ended with a loss in the season finale. In the aftermath, head coach Kevin Stefanski decided to fire offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and offensive line coach Andy Dickerson. Both coaches had spent just one season with the Browns, and their departures came just hours after the team’s final game, which capped off a brutal year.
Stefanski expressed his respect for both Dorsey and Dickerson as individuals and coaches but made it clear that he needed to go in a different direction to address the team’s numerous issues. The coach emphasized that the decision was not about blaming any one individual, but rather about taking a comprehensive look at the team’s shortcomings and making necessary adjustments. Stefanski acknowledged that the situation required a collective effort to improve moving forward.
Dorsey, who had previously been fired from the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator position, struggled to revamp Cleveland’s offense. The Browns’ offense never found its rhythm, as they scored more than 20 points in only three games throughout the season, with a particularly dismal finish of just 26 points in the final four games. The offense also suffered from injuries, compounding the difficulties for Dorsey and the team.
Dickerson faced a similarly challenging task, replacing Bill Callahan as the Browns’ offensive line coach. The Browns’ running game, which had been solid under Callahan, never got going under Dickerson’s leadership. Additionally, the offensive line allowed a staggering 66 sacks throughout the season, though some of those sacks were due to poor quarterback play. Replacing a respected figure like Callahan was always going to be difficult, and the Browns’ offensive line struggled to meet expectations.
The firing of Dorsey and Dickerson signals that the Browns are looking to rebuild and address significant weaknesses on both sides of the ball. The team’s offense was supposed to be a strong point with the addition of quarterback Deshaun Watson, but Watson’s injury and lackluster play throughout the season further hindered the offense’s performance. With a new direction needed, the Browns are now tasked with finding replacements who can help turn around a team that failed to live up to its potential.
