The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Browns fire Williams, Jones, Cribbs
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and special teams coordinator Amos Jones were among assistant coaches fired on Jan. 9 after the Browns selected Freddie Kitchens as the team’s ninth head coach since 1999.
The official announcement on hiring Kitchens is expected to be made by the Browns on Jan. 10.
Williams, the defensive coordinator in 2017 and 2018, was 5-3 as interim head coach after replacing fired head coach Hue Jackson on Oct. 29. The idea of Williams working for Kitchens as defensive coordinator after Kitchens worked for Williams for half a season would not have been a good fit.
The numbers weren’t strong enough to merit keeping Williams as defensive coordinator, anyway.
The Browns, despite getting 31 takeaways, ranked 30th in team defense and 12th in points allowed. The defense was on the field for more plays (1,122) than any other team in the league. The defense allowed 41 touchdowns a year after allowing 42 when the Browns were 0-16.
Williams wrote a message to Browns fans on his way out of town:
“I want to personally reach out to all the Cleveland Browns fans and the people of Cleveland to say thank you for your support,” his message read. “It has been an honor to coach this team and we have loved living in this community with the finest, most passionate fans in the world.
“I am proud that we were able to help get the Browns back to the winning tradition the fans deserve. I am humbled to have worked for such a storied franchise and will always love the city of Cleveland. This city deserves a winner! Please continue to support this team and the incredible group of men. I wish you all the very best and always remember #ComeGetSome.”
“Come get some” was Williams’ mantra from the day he was hired as defensive coordinator in 2017.
Jones being fired comes as no surprise. Sacked along with Jones were special teams assistants Josh Cribbs and Sam Shade.
“I just want what’s best for the organization,” said Cribbs, clearly disappointed he won’t continue to be part of the rebuild that began in 2018.
The Browns special teams were among the worst in the league. Two punts were blocked. A blocked field goal attempt by Zane Gonzalez in overtime in the season opener forced the Browns to settle for a 21-21 tie with the Steelers. Gonzalez missed four kicks in a 21-18 loss to the Saints a week later.
Quarterbacks coach Ken Zampeze and offensive line coach Bob Wylie were also fired, according to sources.
More firings are expected to be revealed when the Browns officially announce Kitchens as head coach.