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Report: Browns after Wade Phillips, Gregg Williams to coach defense

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly making a switch at defensive coordinator this offseason and are after a couple of big-name coaches to replace Ray Horton.

According to Alex Marvez of Sporting News, the Browns have offered St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams the position and have also contacted Wade Phillips of the Denver Broncos.

It’s interesting that these two coaches are both mentioned as potential replacements, simply because they coach completely different schemes. Williams is a long-time 4-3 defensive front coach, while Phillips is the master of the 3-4, which he implemented in Denver the past two years.

Cleveland’s roster has been built over the course of many years to feature 3-4 defensive front players, so the logical switch here is for Phillips to come over. That said, it’s not a given he’s going to leave Denver, nor is it a given Williams is out in Los Angeles.

Both were subordinates of coaches who are no longer with their respective organizations. However, it’s been reported that Williams could remain with the Rams if they choose to hire an offensive-minded head coach. And it is not yet known what will happen with Phillips in Denver.

Cleveland’s defense was a sieve this past year, ranking 31st in total defense and 3oth in scoring defense. Needless to say either man here would represent a significant upgrade. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens next.

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