Big offensive changes are coming for Browns

The Browns 2023 season was cut much shorter than they were hoping after losing to the Texans in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Falling short of expectations has forced them to make some changes.

According to ESPN's Jake Trotter, Cleveland is moving on from offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who had been with the team since 2020.

The decision to part ways with Van Pelt was not expected, but it isn't surprising at the same time. The Browns offense ranked in the bottom half of the league in total yards per game (335.9) this season.

Van Pelt isn't the only coach Cleveland is parting ways with either. The team also fired running backs coach Stump Mitchell and did not renew the contract of tight ends coach T.C. McCartney.

Mitchell and McCartney not returning for the 2024 season is much more surprising, however.

The Browns still averaged the 12th most rushing yards per game (118.6) even after losing four-time Pro Bowl RB Nick Chubb to a season-ending knee injury in Week 2. McCartney played a role in TE David Njoku having a career-high 81 catches for 882 yards and six touchdowns in 2023.

Although it was the defense that gave up 45 points in last weekend's loss, it makes sense all the changes are coming to the offensive side of the ball. The defense dominated for much of the season, allowing the fewest total yards per game (270.2) in the league.

As for Van Pelt, he will likely get an opportunity elsewhere and is looking forward to whatever that brings.

"On to the next one. Proud of my time there," Van Pelt said.

He may not be heading too far either as the Steelers are looking for their next offensive coordinator. Van Pelt was an eighth-round draft pick by his hometown team in 1993 after playing for the University of Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have a love for home-grown talent and could provide Van Pelt the opportunity to prove Cleveland wrong for giving up on him.