Do Browns have secret replacement for HC Kevin Stefanski in mind?

A recent story suggested that the Cleveland Browns could view defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz as a replacement for head coach Kevin Stefanski if Stefanski and team owner Jimmy Haslam agree to "part ways amicably after this season." 

However, Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer shared on the latest edition of the "Orange and Brown Talk Podcast" that Cleveland offensive coordinator Tommy Rees could ultimately become the franchise's next head coach this winter. 

Will Browns promote Tommy Rees so they don't lose him?

"The way that everybody talks in that building about Tommy Rees, about how he’s an offensive savant and how brilliant he is and how he’s a leader of men," Cabot explained. "I know that the Browns don’t want to let him out of the building, and I know he’s had opportunities, and I know he will probably get more opportunities after the season."

Rees interviewed for the Penn State Nittany Lions' vacant head coach opening before Penn State hired Matt Campbell earlier in December. The 33-year-old OC has seemingly impressed individuals within the Browns regarding his work with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is on track to make his seventh start when 4-12 Cleveland finishes its season with a matchup at the 6-10 Cincinnati Bengals this coming Sunday. 

Sanders thus far has gone 2-4 as Cleveland's QB1. Per Pro Football Reference, his adjusted QBR of 20.2 would have him ranked last in the league if he were among qualified players. 

"I think that if they like what they see with Shedeur Sanders, they like the development that he’s made and the progress that he has made, maybe they will want to continue on with Tommy," Cabot continued. 

Will history cause Browns to promote Tommy Rees?

Former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and former Cleveland quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell have found success as head coaches elsewhere. Cabot hinted that Haslam may fear history could repeat itself as it pertains to Rees. 

"They have let other good, young offensive minds out of the building," Cabot added about the Browns. “Kevin O’Connell got away. He was here as the quarterback’s coach, and he got away. And now he’s a really, really good coach."

Of course, Haslam could ultimately decide to run it back with both Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry for another year. If Haslam goes in a different direction, however, he may not have to look far to find his next head coach.