Breakdowns cost special teams coordinator
Cleveland Browns special teams coordinator Mike Priefer was fired Tuesday following four seasons of inconsistency and numerous breakdowns by his units.
The move came six weeks after coach Kevin Stefanski fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods following a 7-10 season.
Priefer spent three seasons on Stefanski’s staff and filled in for him when the coach had COVID-19 and missed the Browns’ wild-card win over Pittsburgh in the 2020 season.
“I appreciate everything Prief has done for this team in his three seasons as my special teams coordinator, but I have decided to move in another direction in the best interest of our organization,” Stefanski said. “I know this city will forever be grateful for the job he did as acting head coach in our AFC wild-card win and for all his contributions while leading the Browns special teams units for the last four seasons.”
The Browns have requested an interview with Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, who was a candidate for Indianapolis’ head coaching job. Even though he was passed over in favor of Shane Steichen, Ventrone remains under contract in Indianapolis.
Priefer coached with Stefanski in Minnesota and was retained by him after the Browns fired coach Freddie Kitchens following the 2019 season.
Priefer’s dismissal creates another opening on Cleveland’s staff. Stefanski also must replace quarterbacks coach Drew Petzing, who left to become Arizona’s offensive coordinator. Also, defensive line coach Chris Kiffin moved on to Houston and defensive backs coach Jeff Howard took a position coaching linebackers for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cleveland’s special teams had issues all last season, beginning with punt returner Jakeem Grant suffering a knee injury in training camp. The Browns had little impact with their return game though they did make some improvement as the season progressed, with rookie Jerome Ford returning kickoffs and Donovan Peoples-jones handling punts.
One of the biggest special teams gaffes came in a Week 2 loss to the New York Jets. Cleveland’s inability to cover an onside kick helped the Jets overcome a two-touchdown deficit in the final 1:55 to win 31-30.
Also, rookie kicker Cade York’s struggles didn’t help Priefer’s case. The fourthround draft pick missed several big kicks — including an extra point in the Jets loss — and had a few blocked because of low trajectory.
York finished 24 of 32 on field goals and 35 of 37 on PATS.