Cleveland Browns rumors: Mike Mularkey could be the offensive coordinator

Another twist to the Cleveland Browns’ pursuit of an offensive coordinator is known.

After bypassing Houston Texans quarterback coach Sean Ryan as their next offensive coordinator position, what would come up next? Shortly after declining to give Ryan an offer, the reality started to sink in that head coach Hue Jackson was set to call plays again for the Cleveland Browns.

Given how ownership has run the team and Jackson cannot get out of his own way, no wonder there have been very few options for the job.

Well, a new name has been discussed.

According to NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey could fill the offensive coordinator position.

One potential landing spot for former #Titans coach Mike Mularkey: The offensive coordinator to #Browns coach Hue Jackson. There was interest if Mularkey ever became available.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2018

Mularkey is free to take the job if offered now that he is no longer with the Titans. Tennessee and Mularkey parted ways on Monday according to ESPN‘s Field Yates.

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Prior to taking the Titans job, Mularkey was the head coach for the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars. He also spent time as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and the Atlanta Falcons.

Mularkey is an experienced and respected play-caller. If he somehow landed in Cleveland, Mularkey or defensive coordinator Gregg Williams would become the interim head coach if/when Hue Jackson is let go in-season this fall.

Anything better than Jackson at this point would be great for the offense in terms of play-calling. However, adding Mularkey does come with some reservations.

Look at Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota‘s play over the last few of seasons. Also, Jackson likes the vertical passing approach while Mularkey goes with more of a run-based offense. Something would have to give.

Mularkey was with the Titans from 2015-2017. Although Mariota’s record has improved dating back to when he was a rookie in 2015, the upward trajectory from 2016 to 2017 did not.

According to pro-football-reference.com, Mariota went from 26 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 2016 to 13 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 2017.

Next: Pros/cons of adding a rookie QB

Being that the Browns are involved, anything can happen. That said, it is hard to imagine Mularkey joining the Browns if he is simply a coach with the OC title who cannot call plays. Had Jackson been willing to let someone else call plays, perhaps Ryan would have been offered the job.

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