Browns request permission to interview Bengalas OC Dan Pitcher for their head coach job.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher warms up before an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns GM Andrew Berry reached back into his past to find a possible replacement for Kevin Stefanski, and also looked right down Interstate 71.
It’s Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator for the Bengals, whom the Browns have requested permission to interview. He’s the third known request after Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde. The Browns will also interview two of their own assistants, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees on Thursday for their vacancy. Pitcher, who will turn 39 next week, began his career in scouting with the Colts, where he worked under Berry, who’s conducting the search. Berry, who was Colts Pro Scouting Coordinator during his time in Indy with Pitcher from 2012-2015, noted during his press conference on Monday that the coach and GM must work in lockstep. He hired Pitcher in 2012 as a scouting assistant, and then promoted him to pro scout in 2014. “When I say partnership, head coach/GM relationship is a lot like a marriage,” Berry said. “You have to work side by side and fight back-to-back. And I think that that’s really, really important because you have to be aligned in terms of how you’re positioning the team.” As a young coach, Pitcher might also welcome the veteran experience of Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and keep him place, which is one thing the Browns are hoping for if Schwartz doesn’t get the head job. A former college quarterback at Colgate and Cortland, Pitcher took over as Bengals OC in 2024 after being an offensive assistant there since 2016. Serving as assistant quarterbacks coach and then quarterbacks coach, Pitcher guided Joe Burrow to some of his best NFL seasons, including a Super Bowl appearance after the 2021 season, where they lost to the Rams. Pitcher’s NFL roots trace back to the Indianapolis Colts, where he broke into the league on the personnel side. He spent several seasons in the Colts’ scouting department, gaining experience in player evaluation, advance work and roster construction. That background gave him a broad understanding of how offenses are built, not just schemed, and exposed him to the Colts’ quarterback-driven model during the Andrew Luck era. Those years are often cited by colleagues as formative, sharpening his eye for detail and his ability to translate evaluation into on-field application. He transitioned into coaching in Cincinnati, joining the Bengals in 2016 and steadily working his way up. Pitcher served in a variety of offensive roles, including offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach, where he became closely tied to the development of Joe Burrow. Known for his calm demeanor and preparation, Pitcher played a key role in Burrow’s weekly game planning, film study habits and command of the offense, particularly during Cincinnati’s Super Bowl run and subsequent playoff seasons. By the time he was promoted to offensive coordinator, Pitcher was already deeply embedded in the Bengals’ system, terminology and culture. His approach blends modern passing concepts with an evaluator’s understanding of personnel strengths, allowing the offense to adapt without losing its identity. For the Bengals, Pitcher represents continuity with an edge — a coach shaped by both scouting rooms and meeting rooms, now entrusted with maximizing a championship-caliber quarterback and offense.Mary Kay Cabot has more than 30 years experience covering the Cleveland Browns for The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com, and became only the second female in Pro Football Hall of Fame history to win the Bill Nunn...
@Yahoo Dan-Pitcher Section:/Browns
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cincinnati Bengals Announce Zac Taylor's Return for 2026 SeasonThe Cincinnati Bengals are retaining head coach Zac Taylor for the 2026 season despite a losing record. Team leadership expresses confidence in Taylor and Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin, emphasizing a long-term commitment to building a championship-caliber team. The team is focused on sustained success, and making the necessary adjustments.
Read more »
Browns game-winning field goal against Bengals reportedly costs bettor $3 millionA bettor who was involved in an NFL 'Survivor' pool reportedly lost out on $3 million when Cleveland Browns kicker Andre Szmyt beat the Bengals with field goal.
Read more »
Two AFC North Steelers opponents make big head coach decisionsKevin Stefanski has been fired by the Browns, while Zac Taylor is staying with the Bengals.
Read more »
Bengals Lose to Browns, Season Ends with Disappointing Record; Other Local NewsJoe Burrow's three touchdown passes were not enough as the Bengals lost to the Browns, finishing the season 6-11. Other news includes a local couple's flight cancellation due to airspace closure, updates on the Tepe murder investigation, drug trafficking charges, and a break-in at Vice President JD Vance's home.
Read more »
Myles Garrett Sets NFL Single-Season Sack RecordCleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett breaks the NFL single-season sack record with 23 sacks, surpassing Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. Garrett achieved the record in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, who were defeated by the Browns. Garrett's record-breaking performance was a highlight in an otherwise challenging season for the Browns.
Read more »
Cleveland Browns News and Rumors 1/6/25: At First Glance, Browns Strategy Appears AimlessAs a businessman with 40 years of experience, Barry McBride has seen many failures and successes over his career. He’s not getting a great vibe from what he heard yesterday. This is the Daily Newswire for 1/6/26.
Read more »