Browns set to tab Vikes’ Stefanski as new coach
The Cleveland Browns filled their vacancy at head coach by hiring Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, according to multiple reports.
The Vikings season ended Saturday when they were hammered by the 49ers, 27-10, in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Vikings' offense finished with just 147 yards — though that performance was not indicative of how well it played throughout the season.
Stefanski orchestrated one of the best offenses in the league. Minnesota ranked sixth in the league in points per drive (2.33) and 11th in yards per drive (33.42), according to Football Outsiders.
The Vikings were ranked 22nd in points per drive (1.83) in 2018 and 26th in yards per drive (29.34) before Stefanski took over play-calling duties.
Kirk Cousins had by far the best year of his career in the NFL under Stefanski, Dalvin Cook emerged as a premier running back and Stefon Diggs finished second in the NFL in yards per target (12.0). A few one-score losses to the Bears and the Packers ended up pushing Minnesota down to the sixth seed, which was too much to overcome in the playoffs.
The Browns are hoping he'll be able to revitalize one of the worst offenses in the league from the 2019 season.
The talent is certainly there for Stefanski to work with. Odell Beckham, Jarvis Landry, Nick Chubb, and Baker Mayfield will all return to the Browns next season.
This is a pivotal hire for Cleveland. The Browns need to cash in on the process that led to them going 1-31 during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. They turned a wealth of draft picks and cap space into one of the most talented rosters in the league.
Cleveland doesn't have a general manager in place, but that will likely be wrapped up soon.
PATS’ EDELMAN ARRESTED
Patriots star Julian Edelman was arrested in Southern California on suspicion of misdemeanor vandalism after jumping on the hood of a car, authorities said Sunday.
Edelman, 33, caused unspecified damage when he jumped on the vehicle Saturday night on a commercial block of Beverly Hills, police Lt. Elisabeth Albanese said in a statement.
Edelman was released on a citation and is scheduled to appear in court April 13. It wasn't known Sunday if he had an attorney, and the Patriots had no immediate comment.
The wide receiver made huge plays during the Patriots' historic comeback against Atlanta in the Super Bowl following the 2016 season, which New England won, 34-28. He won Super Bowl MVP honors in New England's 20-17 victory last season against the Rams.