The Cleveland Browns have fired special teams coordinator Mike Priefer after a tumulus season. This special teams unit has been subpar for quite a while now. It became evident early on during the season that changes needed to be made to resurrect the special teams unit. For instance, the special teams contributed to a few losses earlier in the season. If the Browns fall on the onside kick during the New York Jets game debacle that is one less loss. As well as just being complete liabilities at times for the team.

Browns Part Ways With Mike Priefer

Priefer will be the second Browns coordinator to be fired since the season has ended. The first coordinator let go was former defensive coordinator Joe Woods. Likewise, the defensive unit was a disappointment as well and it showed that changes at the top needed to be done. Priefer had been the special team’s coordinator since 2019 when he got his start with former head coach Freddie Kitchens. However, this unit underperformed while Priefer was at the helm. Therefore current Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski felt he needed to make a change.

Stefanski stated that “I appreciate everything Mike Priefer has done for this team in his three seasons as my special team’s coordinator, but I have decided to move in another direction in the best interest of our organization. I know this city will forever be grateful for the job he did as acting head coach in our AFC (wild card) win and for all his contributions while leading the Browns’ special teams units for the last four seasons. We wish Prief the best with his next opportunity.”

Browns Request To Interview Bubba Ventrone From Indianapolis Colts

The Browns appear to be moving quickly in the search for their next special teams’ coordinator. They have requested permission to interview Bubba Ventrone. He is said to be the top candidate for the job. Ventrone played safety for the Browns from 2009-12. He has plenty of history being a Cleveland Brown. For his duration with the Browns Ventrone played the majority of special teams. He even served as a captain in 2011-12. In 2010 Ventrone was named a Pro Bowl alternate as a special teams player on the number one unit in the NFL.

Bubba Ventrone Coaching Experience

Once Ventrone had retired he served as assistant special teams coach with the New England Patriots from 2015-17. Coach Ventrone is considered to be from the Bill Belichick and Eric Mangini tree. Once 2018 came along Ventrone became the Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator for the 2018 season. He has coached a top-five special teams unit in the NFL for the last five seasons with the Colts.

Conclusion

The timing of the firing of Preifer comes as a shock to many, however, it was evident that it was time for a new special teams coordinator to come in. This Browns coaching staff will be drastically different at the start of next season. Ventrone seems to be the guy and rumors are it is trending that Ventrone will be officially hired at some point. As well the Browns have also requested to interview New York Giants assistant Anthony Belvins.

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