From Ball Boy to Boss: Tommy Rees Takes the Reins of Browns Offense

Tommy Rees has come full circle in Cleveland. The 32-year-old coach who once worked as a ball boy for the Browns during summer breaks has been promoted to offensive coordinator, tasked with resurrecting one of the NFL's most anemic offenses after a disastrous 2024 season.

Kevin Stefanski promoted Rees to offensive coordinator following the dismissal of Ken Dorsey. The decision comes after a disappointing 3-14 season for the Browns, during which the team averaged a league-low 15.2 points per game. Rees earned the promotion after just one year with the Browns, where he served as the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator under the now-departed Dorsey.

The Browns' faith in Rees stems from his impressive collegiate pedigree and his unique connection to the organization. His father, Bill, worked as the Browns director of player personnel from 2004-08 and also spent time in the front office with the Bears, Chiefs and 49ers. During those summers, Tommy worked on the Browns' equipment staff, giving him an intimate understanding of the organization's culture and expectations.

Rees brings a wealth of offensive expertise from the college ranks. He spent the 2023 season as Alabama's offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, helping the Crimson Tide win the SEC Championship Game and advance to the College Football Playoffs. Before that, he spent six seasons coaching at Notre Dame, where he rose from graduate assistant to offensive coordinator, leading the Fighting Irish to a 54-10 record during his tenure.

Rees has been a fairly hot commodity amongst coaching circles since the 2020-2021 season and is known as an up-and-coming, innovative offensive mind in the football world. His Notre Dame offenses were particularly effective, with players like tight end Michael Mayer setting single-season records under his guidance.

The new coordinator faces immediate challenges in Cleveland, particularly at the quarterback position. Speaking to reporters during OTAs in June, Rees emphasized his process-focused approach: "Quarterbacks especially, we want to be as process-driven as possible as opposed to results. As long as our process is in the right place, our decision-making is in the right place, we'll continue to coach the fundamentals and get the physical to follow it."

Rees has maintained that any of the four quarterbacks — Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, or Shedeur Sanders — can win the starting job. Drawing from his own experience, he joked during OTAs: "I was probably the half. I probably wasn't real involved" when describing his participation in a quarterback competition of "three and a half" players at Notre Dame.

This open competition reflects the Browns' unsettled situation under center after Deshaun Watson's struggles and injury.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Rees has outlined his vision for the Browns' offense: "Their goal is to build an offense that has the flexibility to cater to a quarterback's strengths, as well as highlight the rest of the offensive players on the field."

This philosophy reflects his adaptability and understanding that successful offenses must maximize the talent available rather than forcing players into rigid systems.

While Stefanski will retain play-calling duties, Rees will help develop the Browns' offensive system and lead the offense, being part of the process of game planning and the work done throughout the week heading into a game. This collaborative approach allows Rees to implement his innovative concepts while working within Stefanski's established framework.

The promotion represents a remarkable journey for Rees, who played quarterback at Notre Dame before transitioning to coaching. His path from ball boy to offensive coordinator embodies the Browns' organizational belief in promoting from within and rewarding loyalty. Now, with Cleveland's offense in desperate need of a spark, Rees must prove that his college success can translate to the professional level and help turn around one of the league's most disappointing teams.