During this NFL off-season the Cleveland Browns hired former Vikings head coach Brad Childress as their new offensive coordinator. During the 2011 season the Browns were without an offensive coordinator, and the team finished 29th in the league offensively. During last year’s poor offensive performance head coach Pat Shurmur served as both the team’s head coach and offensive coordinator. But even though the hiring of Childress is considered to be an excellent move by the Browns brass, it is surprising how little we actually know about him.
Childress has served in one capacity or another all along the coaching chain in his 30+ year career in football. He has had success on all levels coaching for four different collegiate programs and three NFL franchises making his current stop in Cleveland his fourth. Some of the success that Childress has had at the college level include, winning a Big Ten championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl in 1983 while on the coaching staff at the University of Illinois. While at the University of Wisconsin. Childress was the offensive coordinator under former Badger head coach Barry Alvarez, and directed offenses that helped the Badgers to five bowl game appearances from 1993–1998 including two Rose Bowls as Big Ten co-champions following the 93, and 98 seasons.
Childress has also had success on the pro level spending time coaching with the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Childress was with the Eagles from 99-05, and helped the team to three consecutive trips to the NFC Championship game (2001–03), and a Super Bowl trip in 2004.
Having the opportunity to work with both Andy Reid and Pat Shurmur in Philadelphia means that Childress is well versed in the “West Coast” offensive philosophy that has been installed by Holmgren and company here in Cleveland. In addition, having Childress as the offensive coordinator will give McCoy another resource to learn from.
With the addition of Childress, a proper off-season, and some offensive weapons being added through the draft will make Cleveland’s offense a dangerous one to deal with in 2012.
Michael W. Youngman
(Lead Analyst C.B.R.)
