Browns To Promote Tommy Rees To OC
The Browns‘ search for a new offensive coordinator is set to come to an end. Tight ends coach Tommy Rees is being promoted, as first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Ken Dorsey took on the role of OC last offseason, allowing him a quick turnaround following his in-season 2023 firing by the Bills. Things did not go according to plan on offense for Cleveland this year, however resulting in another dismissal. Many expected a return to someone familiar with head coach Kevin Stefanski‘s with the next hire. As a result, this news comes as no surprise.
Rees quickly emerged as one of the candidates to receive offensive coordinator consideration. An interview was lined up last week, and with reported interest existing from outside teams, Cleveland needed to move quickly with respect to handing him the reins on offense. After speaking with Darrell Bevell (Dolphins), Charles London (Seahawks), Kevin Koger (Falcons) and Klint Kubiak (Saints), the top in-house candidate has received the no. This will be Rees’ third OC position in his career, but the first at the NFL level.
The 32-year-old quickly transitioned from playing to coaching, holding down one-year positions in the college and pro games in 2015 and ’16. After that, Rees worked as the quarterbacks coach at Notre Dame, his alma mater. He served in that capacity from 2017-22, with the final three seasons of that stretch doubling as his time at the helm of the team’s offense. In 2023, Rees joined Nick Saban‘s staff at Alabama and handled OC responsibilities.
That period was followed by a return to the NFL coaching ranks with the Browns. Rees held the role of tight ends coach but also pass game specialist during his first year working under Stefanski. This promotion will result in a major increase in responsibilities and expectation, although the possibility remains Stefanski will reclaim play-calling duties. In any case, a step forward in production will be needed for the Browns in 2025.
Indeed, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes Stefanski is expected to take back play-calling responsibilities. This will make Cleveland’s 2025 OC job a bit less important than the team’s 2024 position proved to be, but the Browns canned Dorsey after one year, doing so shortly before elevating a coach who drew interest elsewhere. Rees had emerged on Mike Vrabel‘s radar as a possible Patriots option, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. Vrabel, a Browns consultant this past season, had been tied to Rees before he committed to the Pats. Josh McDaniels has also surfaced as an option for Vrabel’s team.
It certainly says plenty about Rees’ stock in Cleveland that the Browns passed over far more experienced options to go with him, and if the former Fighting Irish and Crimson Tide OC fares well, HC looks will be expected in the not-too-distant future. For now, the Browns — who employed Alex Van Pelt as Stefanski’s non-play-calling OC for four years — will go with a third OC in three seasons. As they aim to find a starting QB upgrade on the underperforming Deshaun Watson (who suffered a second Achilles tear), Rees will be a key part of the team’s equation.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Tyler Higbee Hospitalized With Chest Injury
2:45pm: This appears to have been a blip for Higbee, who sustained an injury in a wild-card game for the second straight year. McVay said (via ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop) the veteran tight end traveled back to Los Angeles with the team and is expected to play against the Eagles.
8:58am: The Rams’ offense was shorthanded after Tyler Higbee exited last night’s game. Los Angeles has advanced to the divisional round, but it is unclear if the veteran tight end will be available for the team’s next contest. 
Higbee suffered a chest injury on Monday night, head coach Sean McVay confirmed. He has been taken to hospital, but McVay added (via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network) Higbee is in stable condition and is expected to be OK. At this point, it remains to be seen if a return to the lineup in time for Sunday’s divisional round matchup with the Eagles will be possible.
During last year’s postseason, Higbee suffered a torn ACL and MCL, an injury which delayed his 2024 debut. The 32-year-old returned to the lineup in December, giving him the opportunity to get re-acclimated in time for the postseason. Higbee went down in the first half against the Vikings, but his 58 yards on five catches were still enough to lead the Rams in receiving last night.
A fourth-round pick in 2016, Higbee has spent his entire career with the Rams. His most recent extension has him on the books through 2025, so he is set to continue in his role as lead tight end as long as he can remain healthy moving forward. The Western Kentucky product would be expected to handle a notable pass-catching role in the event he were to be able to suit up on Sunday in Philadelphia.
If not, free agent addition Colby Parkinson would be counted on to once again take on TE1 duties. The former Seahawk handled a career-high 55% offensive snap share in 2024 while Higbee was on the mend, and his 30 receptions were a personal best. If Higbee winds up being able to play, though, he and Parkinson will again form a notable tight end tandem for the Rams’ offense.
Cowboys’ Mike Zimmer Undecided On Future
It was learned yesterday that Mike McCarthy will not remain in place as the Cowboys’ head coach. As the team’s search for his replacement begins, questions about his staff will be raised. 
The name garnering the most attention at this point is defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The 68-year-old returned to Dallas this past offseason after Dan Quinn departed to become the Commanders’ head coach. Zimmer held the role of DC for the Cowboys from 2000-06, and his decision to again serve in that role met the team’s desire for a veteran coordinator.
Last month, owner Jerry Jones acknowledged he essentially viewed McCarthy and Zimmer as a package deal. Given the uncertainty surrounding the former at the time, questions have lingered regarding the latter since yesterday’s news. Nothing final has been decided in Zimmer’s case at this point, but a Monday report noted he has given thought to retirement.
On Tuesday, Zimmer informed Tom Pelissero of NFL Network that “all options are on the table” with respect to his future. Each of McCarthy’s now ex-assistants are free to speak with interested teams at any time, and it will be interesting to see if he has a market for a different coordinator gig. Whether or not a position in Dallas will be available for 2025 will of course be tied to the team’s next head coach. The Cowboys are one of five teams seeking out a HC hire, something Zimmer has experience with.
The former Vikings head coach said he is open to another chance to lead an NFL team, although at the time he noted his uncertainty in such a possibility arising. Still, Zimmer told Pelissero he “really enjoys” coaching, so it would not come as a surprise if he showed interest in continuing his career. Over his tenure in Minnesota, he compiled a record of 72-56-1, reaching double-digit wins in a season three times. Given his experience, Zimmer could also receive looks for a defensive coordinator position if the Bengals, Colts or Falcons were to show interest. In any case, his future will be one of the interesting storylines to follow as the 2025 coaching landscape takes shape.
Jets Request HC Interview With Joe Whitt
The list of targets in the Jets’ ongoing head coaching search continues to grow. Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt has received an interview request, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 
Whitt has not yet been linked to any other head coaching positions, but it comes as little surprise his time in the nation’s capital has been well received by at least one suitor. The 46-year-old coached the Cowboys’ defensive backs from 2021-23, having previously held similar roles in Green Bay and Atlanta. Once Dan Quinn vacated his position as defensive coordinator in Dallas to take over as Washington’s head coach, Whitt seemed to be the top candidate to replace him.
In the end, though, Whitt was among the players and staffers who followed Quinn to the Commanders. Despite Quinn’s experience in that capacity, Whitt has handled play-calling duties for Washington this season. The team’s run to the divisional round of the postseason has of course been driven in large part by the play of soon-to-be Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, but the Commanders’ defense has held up well against the pass in particular.
Washington surrendered the third-fewest yards per game through the air during the regular season, although the team has not been able to duplicate that success on he ground. The Commanders finished the year 30th in the NFL against the run; in spite of that figure, however, overall placements of 18th in yards allowed and 13th in points surrendered are notable. The defensive side of the ball is likely to receive considerable attention this offseason as general manager Adam Peters looks to build off this year’s success, and Whitt would be faced with increased expectations in 2025 if he were to remain in place.
The Jets moved on from a defense-oriented head coach midway through the season by dismissing Robert Saleh. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich took over and saw his unit generally struggle down the stretch, something which could help point the team in a new direction with the upcoming HC hire. Candidates from several backgrounds are receiving consideration, though, and Whitt is the latest to join the list of names connected to New York.
Via PFR’s head coaching search tracker, here is an updated look where things stand with the Jets:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Showed interest; meeting never scheduled
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): To interview
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): To interview
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/9
- Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interview requested
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): To interview 1/15
- Mike Locksley, head coach (Maryland): Interviewed 1/10
- Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach (Vikings): To interview
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/8
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Darren Rizzi, interim head coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/11
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Interviewed 1/7
- Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator (Texans): Interview requested
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/10
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/13
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/3; hired by Patriots
- Joe Whitt, defensive coordinator (Commanders): interview requested
Falcons To Conduct DC Interview With Lou Anarumo
The Falcons are among the teams to make coordinator changes this offseason. DC Jimmy Lake was dismissed over the weekend, and the search for his replacement will be worth monitoring. 
Former Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will interview with the Falcons for their vacancy, as first reported by NFL Network’s Colleen Wolfe. Confirming the news, D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution adds the meeting will take place on Thursday. This marks the second DC gig Anarumo has been connected to.
The 58-year-old had a lengthy college coaching career before joining the pro ranks with the Dolphins. Anarumo spent six years coaching Miami’s defensive backs before doing the same with the Giants in 2018. That was followed by his first full-time NFL coordinator opportunity as he joined Zac Taylor‘s initial Bengals staff. His six-year run in that capacity came to an end after this season.
The Bengals’ best season on defense under Anarumo came in 2022, when the team finished sixth in points allowed. On four other occasions, though, Cincinnati ranked outside the top 20 in that category; that includes this past campaign, one in which the Bengals were hampered by injuries in the secondary but still fell short of even moderate expectations. Despite quarterback Joe Burrow leading the league in passing yards and wideout Ja’Marr Chase winning the ‘Triple Crown’ (by topping the NFL in receptions, yards and touchdowns), Cincinnati finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs.
While the Bengals search out a replacement coordinator, Anarumo may not need to wait long to find his next opportunity. He is expected to be among the candidates to interview for the Colts’ DC position, one which was created after the season with the firing of Gus Bradley. In addition to Indianapolis interest, Anarumo has found himself on Atlanta’s radar.
During Lake’s first year with the Falcons – which doubled as his debut campaign as an NFL coordinator – Atlanta ranked 23rd in total and scoring defense. Once again, a lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks was a problem; the team finished with only 31 sacks, the second-fewest in the NFL. Taking a step forward in that department will be a goal for 2025. Under Anarumo this year, the Bengals ranked just 24th in sacks despite Trey Hendrickson leading the league with 17.5.
This marks the first known candidate for the Falcons as they look to improve on Lake’s performance on defense. It will be interesting to see how Anarumo’s interview shakes out and where else the team looks for potential hires.
Raiders Request GM Interview With Jon-Eric Sullivan, To Meet With John Spytek
The Raiders have begun the process of seeking out candidates for their general manager vacancy. To no surprise, two of the names on the team’s radar are among the top options in this year’s hiring cycle.
Jon-Eric Sullivan has received an interview request, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. The Packers’ director of player personnel also received a slip from the Jets as part of their ongoing search. More notably, Sullivan is also among the apparent finalists for the Titans’ GM gig. A second interview with Tennessee is on tap, something which is also the case with a number of other in-demand candidates.
Another name heavily connected to the Titans is that of Buccaneers assistant general manager John Spytek. He too has a second interview lined up, but the Raiders have arranged a meeting of their own. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times report Spytek will interview with Vegas as part of the team’s first round of meetings with candidates.
As a result of Spytek’s connection to Tom Brady given their time spent together at Michigan and again in Tampa Bay, he was floated as a potential candidate for the Raiders’ GM position. To no surprise, then, he has found himself in demand from two of the three teams seeking out a major front office hire. Up to this point, the Jets’ wide-ranging search process has not included contact with Spytek.
Having moved on from both head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco, the Raiders have a pair of major organizational decisions looming. Brady – along with veteran headhunter Jed Hughes – will be key figures in the process of filling those vacancies. Owner Mark Davis does not plan on repeating his ‘Patriot Way’ approach from the Josh McDaniels-Dave Ziegler era, so it will be interesting to see which new direction the franchise moves in on the sidelines and in the front office.
Mike McCarthy Will Not Return As Cowboys’ Head Coach
After talks on a new deal failed to result in an agreement, Mike McCarthy is set to depart the Cowboys. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports Dallas and the former Super Bowl winner will go their separate ways this offseason. A team announcement has since confirmed the news. 
Several signs have pointed throughout the year to McCarthy remaining in Dallas despite the fact he spent the season on an expiring contract. He and owner Jerry Jones communicated with one another once the campaign ended, a point at which the Bears and Saints emerged as teams which could be interested in the event McCarthy became a free agent. Tomorrow night looms as the expiration date of his current pact, although Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport notes he is free to speak with teams immediately.
[RELATED: Fallout From Cowboys-McCarthy Separation]
A report from last week stated McCarthy and the Cowboys were set to begin negotiating the terms of a new contract. A window of opportunity therefore existed for the parties to reach an agreement before tomorrow’s deadline, but that will no longer be the case. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported earlier on Monday there had not, in fact, been substantive talks on a new contract up to this point. Now, this latest update on the situation confirms Dallas will be in the market for a new head coach after McCarthy held the role for five seasons.
The first year of that tenure produced a 6-10 season, but McCarthy managed to deliver sustained regular season success after that point. The 61-year-old helped lead Dallas to a 12-5 record every year from 2021-23. This past campaign, a Cowboys roster which lost several key players in the offseason was hit hard by injuries. Dallas fell out of playoff contention early, although a turnaround late in the year seemed to help McCarthy’s stock.
Of course, the veteran’s tenure in Dallas will best be remembered for his playoff outings. Of the four postseason games McCarthy coached with the Cowboys, the team only ended up winning one. Jones cited last year’s home wild-card defeat against the Packers as a main reason why he made the decision to retain McCarthy without offering him an extension. After making it clear no in-season firing would take place (as was the case when his Green Bay tenure ended), questions were raised about how negotiations would proceed.
As Pelissero and CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones note, one of the main sticking points between Jones and McCarthy was the length of a potential new contract. Given the former’s hesitance to make a new commitment last offseason, it would of come as something of a surprise if a long-term offer has been made over the weekend. As the latter prepares to seek out his market, meanwhile, his assistants are also set to become free agents.
The Bears requested permission to interview McCarthy last week, when his Dallas future remained uncertain. The Cowboys blocked it, a move which has now proven to be a moot point. Chicago has conducted a wide-ranging search with interest being shown in NFL and college staffers. Longtime Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll – who is now joined by McCarthy as a 2025 candidate with a lengthy resume and a Super Bowl title – already interviewed with the Bears. It will be interesting to see if McCarthy does the same.
It was also learned last week that the Saints could be a team to watch in the event McCarthy reached the market. Since that is now the case, New Orleans will be free to set up an interview. Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is seen as the top candidate for the job at this point, but plenty could change on that front over the coming days and weeks.
Former DC Dan Quinn could have represented a candidate to take over from McCarthy had a change been made last year. Quinn took the Commanders’ coaching gig, however, leaving Dallas in need of a different defensive coordinator. Mike Zimmer was brought in after previously leading the team’s defense over a seven-year period. The former Vikings head coach has expressed a desire to land another HC gig, and it will be interesting to see if Jones considers promoting him to the role. Meanwhile, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports Bill Belichick would have had interest in Dallas’ opening had it existed before his decision to take charge of North Carolina. He adds that feeling likely would have been mutual, but now the Cowboys will need to move in another direction.
McCarthy sports an all-time winning percentage of .608, making him one of the most accomplished staffers available for the 2025 hiring cycle. He is a somewhat late addition to the list of options for the winter, but with the Patriots representing the only team to make a head coaching hire so far he could have several suitors in the near future.
T.J. Watt Hopes To Remain With Steelers Beyond 2025
With the Steelers’ latest wild-card loss in the books, several key decisions need to be made in the near future. In terms of core players, one of Pittsburgh’s top priorities could be working out an extension with edge rusher T.J. Watt. 
The 2021 Defensive Player of the Year has one year remaining on his current deal, and he is due just over $21MM in 2025. His scheduled cap hit is more than $30MM, though, so working out a new contract could lower that figure while ensuring he remains in Pittsburgh for the foreseeable future. To no surprise, Watt himself expressed a desire to hammer out another extension this offseason.
“I want to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” the 30-year-old said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “I don’t want to leave this place… I want to be part of the solution, not leave here and go somewhere else. That’s not my intention at all.”
Watt’s play during his rookie contract earned him a four-year, $112MM extension. When at full health, he has proven that commitment to be a sensible one on the Steelers’ part. The former first-rounder tied the all-time single-season sacks record with 22.5 in 2021, and upon return from an injury-shortened campaign last year, he added another 19 to his career total. An ankle sprain did not produce any missed time in 2024, and Watt racked up 11.5 sacks along with a league-leading six forced fumbles.
With an AAV of just over $28MM, Watt’s deal now ranks fourth in the league amongst edge rushers. The position could see considerable change this offseason from a financial perspective, with Micah Parsons once again eligible for a second contract and Myles Garrett in line to secure another lucrative commitment from the Browns. Trey Hendrickson will also no doubt attempt another round of negotiations with Bengals for a big-ticket deal after he led the league in sacks in 2024.
Watt could very well find himself at or near the top of the EDGE pecking order with a third contract, although his age could give the Steelers pause. In general, it would not come as a surprise if general manager Omar Khan attempted to allocate more resources to the offensive side of the ball in 2025, something which may very well include a new deal for quarterback Russell Wilson. Even with fellow outside linebacker Alex Highsmith attached to a notable second contract, though, Watt is likely to remain in the Steelers’ plans.
This past June, the four-time All-Pro noted he is uncertain of how long he plans on playing in the NFL. His otherwise stellar career has been marred by a lack of postseason success, but today’s comments confirm he does not wish to seek out a trade sending him elsewhere or attempt to set up a potential free agent departure. As Pittsburgh prepares to move forward with head coach Mike Tomlin, it will be interesting to see how amenable the team is to another Watt extension.
Mickey Loomis: Saints’ Next HC Will Help Shape Direction At QB
Uncertainty looms over the Saints’ direction at the quarterback position for 2025. The same is true on the sidelines since a new head coach has yet to be hired. Both situations, to no surprise, are linked. 
During a Monday press conference, general manager Mickey Loomis made it clear no final decision has been made at this point with the respect to how the team will proceed under center. He added (via Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football) New Orleans’ next head coach will have a large say in whether or not Derek Carr will remain uncontested atop the depth chart or other options will be brought in. For his part, though, Loomis praised the veteran signal-caller.
“I have a high level of confidence in Derek,” Loomis said (via Underhill). ” He’s done some really good things here.”
Carr is currently on track to collect $30MM in base salary for 2025. $10MM of that figure is already locked in, and the remainder will become guaranteed in full in mid-March unless any adjustments are made. The four-time Pro Bowler recently made it clear he will not accept a pay cut, so a decision on a restructure (something the Saints, as usual, will need to rely on to achieve cap compliance this spring) or a trade or release will need to be made fairly soon.
In the meantime, New Orleans’ head coaching search continues. The team has already conducted several interviews, and few other candidates (with the potential exception of Mike McCarthy, who will not return with the Cowboys) are likely to receive attention. For now, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn looks to be the leading contender for the gig. He served as the Saints’ defensive backs coach for five seasons, and a return to his former team remains a distinct possibility.
After New Orleans elected to move on from Dennis Allen midseason, special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi was promoted to interim HC. Shifting to a coach with an offensive background could take place with an eye on maximizing Carr’s remaining play as he approaches his age-34 season. In any case, changes elsewhere on the staff could take place once a new head coaching hire is made, as evidenced by the fact offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is taking interviews with other teams for the same role.
Neither Spencer Rattler nor Jake Haener showed enough late in the season to suggest they could be take over QB1 duties in the event the Saints were to move on from Carr, but it remains to be seen how the team’s next head coach will perceive the situation under center.
Raiders Request HC Interview With Broncos DC Vance Joseph
Another candidate has emerged for the Raiders’ head coaching vacancy. Vegas has requested an interview with Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. 
This is not the first slip Joseph has received for the 2025 hiring cycle. The Jets put in a request to speak with him, and with the Broncos’ season now over Joseph will be free to meet with any interested teams. Bovada’s Josina Anderson reports Joseph’s New York interview will likely take place on Wednesday, while his Raiders meeting is expected to happen on Thursday or Friday.
Vegas promoted Antonio Pierce from interim to full-time head coach last offseason, but he proved to be a one-and-done staffer in that role. The Raiders initially seemed set to retain general manager Tom Telesco, but he too was dismissed last week. Controlling owner Mark Davis thus has a pair of major decisions to make in the immediate future, although it has become increasingly clear minority owner Tom Brady is playing a major role in both search processes. A second attempt at establishing the ‘Patriot Way’ (as the team did with Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler) will not take place in 2025, but otherwise it remains to be seen how the Raiders will proceed.
Joseph returned to Denver last year, having served as the team’s head coach for 2017 and ’18. His first season leading the Broncos’ defense produced underwhelming results, but in 2024 the unit took a major step forward. Finishing seventh in yards allowed and third in points surrendered, Denver’s return to the postseason was built in large part on strong defensive play. To no surprise, then, Joseph’s name will be one to watch as the 2025 hiring cycle takes shape.
Via PFR’s coaching search tracker, here is an updated look out how the Raiders’ search is taking shape:
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Contacted about job
- Pete Carroll, former head coach (Seahawks): To interview 1/13
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Mentioned as candidate
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): To interview 1/16
- Deion Sanders, head coach (Colorado): Reportedly interested, but interest is not mutual
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interview requested
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interview declined; hired by Patriots