Cleveland Browns: Early reports of interim refuted, Gregg Williams will coach Browns

After initially hearing Al Saunders name, the Cleveland Browns ended up naming defensive coordinator Gregg Williams as the interim coach following Hue Jackson’s firing

The news has been coming in fast today for the Cleveland Browns, who have fired both head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. The two couldn’t survive a power struggle, which ended up leaving some holes on the coaching staff.

Originally, the word was the team would go with Al Saunders as the interim head coach, but apparently, those rumors were unfounded.

Instead, the Browns will be promoting defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to the position. This was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It’s not a shocking move as Williams has done a good job with the defense this year. He’s also the one coach who has seemed to stay out of the power struggle while he focused on just doing his job.

As for his work as a head coach, Williams left a lot to be desired. Williams was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2001-2003 and never had a winning season (8-8non 2002 was his best record). After three seasons and a 17-31 record, Williams’ contract was not renewed.

Williams is probably most well-known for his involvement in the infamous ‘Bounty Gate’ scandal back when he was the defensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints. That system paid players for big hits — and injuries — and led to many suspensions for players and coaches with the organization.

He joined the Browns in 2017 and while they were a mess that season, the defense has shown marked improvement under his tutelage this season.

It will be interesting to see how the high-energy coach does leading the Browns for the rest of the season. He could have a chance to coach his way into a permanent position if he can get things turned around quickly.