Johnny Manziel Primary Topic at Browns Meetings With Offensive Coordinator Candidates

By Zachary Stieber
January 15, 2015 Last Updated: January 15, 2015
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel throws to a receiver as he warms up before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Johnny Manziel is one of the biggest topics being discussed as the Cleveland Browns talk with candidates for the now vacant offensive coordinator position.

On Tuesday, the Browns sat down with Chan Gailey, who is now confirmed to be heading to the Jets as their OC. Former Bears coach Marc Trestman came in on Wednesday.

Other candidates include John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders; Anthony Lynn, assistant coach on the New York Jets; and Matt Cavanaugh, the Chicago Bears quarterbacks coach. 

ESPN says that Manziel “will be a prominent topic at these meetings — what their plan is for Manziel, how to make him better, play to strengths (mobility, arm strength) and mask on-field weaknesses (fitting into language-heavy NFL offense, decisiveness).”

There’s no clear answer on whether Manziel will start next season or even be on the roster if the Browns choose to draft another quarterback. 

 “What potential coordinators say about the talented but maligned quarterback could shape the Browns’ long-term views on whether he’s the answer in 2015,” the broadcaster said.

Lots of eyes are on the candidates, after Kyle Shanahan resigned. Shanahan had full responsibilities for calling plays, and whoever is hired to replace him is expected to have similar freedom. 

Kansas head coach Charlie Weis prior to an NCAA football game against the Texas Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)
Kansas head coach Charlie Weis prior to an NCAA football game against the Texas Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, in Lawrence, Kan. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

 

The Cleveland Browns website says that other candidates include Charlie Weis, the former University of Kansas head coach and former offensive coordinator for the Jets, Patriots, and Chiefs; and Al Saunders, the Raiders senior offensive asistant. Others, such as Gailey and Scott Linehan, have been secured by teams already.

Meanwhile, coach Mike Pettine acknowledged that things aren’t clear between Manziel and Brian Hoyer, and a potential draft pick.

“(Quarterback) is still very much a question mark,” Pettine said at his wrap-up press conference, reported Cleveland.com. “We all know Brian is due to become a free agent. The sample size on Manziel was not very big and, on the surface, not very encouraging. Connor Shaw went out there and battled.

“I would say our quarterback situation is muddy at best and when we allocate time to discussing each position, quarterback will be given the most. As far as getting that position right moving forward we’ll spend the most amount of time on it and we’ll leave no stone unturned.”