List and background of every reported Cleveland Browns HC candidate

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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Head coach Gregg Williams of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play in the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 11, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

Gregg Williams

Gregg Williams was named the Cleveland Browns interim head coach after the organization fired Hue Jackson on October 30th. During his time leading the Browns, he coached the team to a 5-3 record and had them in playoff contention until Week 16.

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Williams was splitting time as the interim head coach and the defensive coordinator, but would later give defensive play-calling duties to his son and linebackers coach, Blake Williams. This allowed Williams take a more CEO approach as the head coach.

The 60-year-old coach had the Browns playing at a higher level than they were earlier in the season. The young players on the roster developed at a high rate under Williams, and the effects were noticeable on the field. Players were playing with much more confidence with Williams, and they also became a more disciplined team.

Williams has been the Browns defensive coordinator for the past two seasons. In 2018, the Browns had the 30th ranked defense, allowing 393 yards per game. The Browns defense also allowed 24.5 points per game, ranking 21st among the league.

Individually, the Browns allowed 257.8 passing yards per game and 135.2 rushing yards per game, ranking 25th and 28th in the league. The defense had the second most takeaways in the league, forcing 31 turnovers.