The Cleveland Browns have their next running backs coach, agreeing to terms with Duce Staley for the recently vacated position. Staley told Josina Anderson about his decision to join Cleveland rather than the New York Jets.
The 10-year-old NFL veteran will be taking over for Stump Mitchell, one of a few members of the Browns’ coaching staff who were let go. Mitchell’s exit from the organization has not been smooth as he has gone on a Hue Jackson-eqsue press tour following his dismissal. It was an inconsistent year for Cleveland’s rushing attack in Mitchell’s final season. Nick Chubb’s season-ending injury, in addition to injuries on the offensive line, did make things particularly easy. Cleveland fell back to outside the Top-10 rushing attacks last season without Chubb.
Coming to Cleveland is clearly an attractive job for Staley, as the Browns have one of the best running backs in the league on the roster in Nick Chubb. Chubb’s 2023 season was cut short but is expected to be part of Cleveland’s plans for next season. Having someone the caliber of Chubb in their backfield will make any running back coach’s job that much easier and could set them up for a promotion down the line.
Staley began his coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010 as an intern. He would remain under the employ of Doug Pederson following the team parting ways with Andy Reid. Staley would eventually become an assistant under Pederson while retaining the running backs coach position. 2021 saw Staley join Dan Campbell’s staff with the Detroit Lions with the same titles. Staley spent part of last season with the Carolina Panthers under former head coach Frank Reich. Staley, Reich, and former Browns quarterback Josh McCown were dismissed in November following the team’s disappointing results.
More must-reads: