As the Cleveland Browns look to fortify their coaching staff in the 2025 offseason, one of the most significant hires they’ll need to make is that of an offensive coordinator (OC). The Browns have been in search of stability and a clear offensive identity since their return to relevance in the 2010s, but the road has been rocky. After the firing of Alex Van Pelt, the Browns’ offensive scheme needs to evolve, and a new leader is needed to reshape the offense. The organization’s next OC will inherit a talented but underperforming roster, with a young, promising quarterback in **Deshaun Watson**, a dynamic running back in **Nick Chubb**, and one of the league’s top defenses. Given these pieces, the OC position has the potential to be a game-changer for the team.
Recent reports indicate that **New Orleans Saints** offensive coordinator **Pete Carmichael Jr.** is a name to keep an eye on in the Browns’ search. Carmichael, who has been with the Saints since 2006 and has served as their OC since 2009, has earned a reputation for running high-powered offenses, adapting to different quarterback styles, and guiding successful systems, most notably under the leadership of **Drew Brees**. While the Saints’ offensive output has seen a dip in recent seasons, Carmichael’s experience and track record make him a compelling candidate for a team looking to reach its potential on offense.
### **Why Pete Carmichael Is a Strong Candidate for the Browns**
#### **1. Experience with Elite Quarterbacks**
One of the most appealing aspects of Pete Carmichael’s résumé is his extensive experience working with elite quarterbacks. As the Saints’ offensive coordinator, Carmichael helped shape the career of future Hall of Famer **Drew Brees**, overseeing one of the most potent offenses in NFL history. The Saints’ offense routinely ranked near the top in passing yards, points scored, and overall offensive efficiency, with Brees orchestrating a dynamic passing attack.
This experience with a quarterback of Brees’ caliber could prove invaluable for the Browns, especially as they look to get the best out of **Deshaun Watson**. Watson, while undoubtedly talented, has yet to fully hit his stride since joining Cleveland. The Browns traded for Watson in 2022, banking on his prior success with the Houston Texans, where he put up record-breaking numbers and was one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
However, Watson struggled to regain his form in 2023, throwing for only 3,000 yards and 14 touchdowns in a season plagued by inconsistency and off-field distractions. The Browns’ front office is hoping that Watson’s performance improves in 2025, but to unlock his full potential, the team needs an offensive coordinator who can create an effective, flexible scheme that maximizes Watson’s strengths, particularly his mobility and ability to make explosive throws. Carmichael’s familiarity with shaping offenses around top-tier quarterbacks is something the Browns would likely find appealing as they look for someone to push Watson back to elite status.
#### **2. High-Powered, Versatile Offenses**
Another major reason Carmichael would be an excellent fit for the Browns is his track record of developing high-powered offenses in New Orleans. While the Saints’ offense has faced challenges in recent years, the team was a dominant force for much of Carmichael’s tenure, particularly during the height of Brees’ career. The Saints’ offense, characterized by its passing attack, was frequently among the NFL’s best in yards, points scored, and efficiency.
One of Carmichael’s strengths is his ability to adapt his scheme based on the personnel available to him. While he had the luxury of working with a Hall-of-Fame quarterback in Brees, Carmichael also had to adjust when the Saints’ offense had a revolving door at quarterback, including **Teddy Bridgewater**, **Jameis Winston**, and **Ian Book**. During these stretches, Carmichael was still able to maintain a solid offensive output, which speaks to his flexibility as a play-caller.
For the Browns, this adaptability would be a major asset. As Watson gets more comfortable in the system, Carmichael could continue to fine-tune the offense to emphasize the quarterback’s strengths while also incorporating the run-first mentality that has been the hallmark of Cleveland’s offensive identity in recent years with **Nick Chubb**. Carmichael is the type of coordinator who can balance a passing attack with an efficient run game, giving the Browns the versatility they need to succeed against a wide variety of opponents.
#### **3. Proven Track Record in the Playoffs**
Carmichael is no stranger to postseason success, as he was at the helm of the Saints’ offense during their Super Bowl-winning 2009 season. That year, New Orleans boasted the NFL’s most explosive offense, and Carmichael’s game plan helped lead the team to its first-ever Super Bowl victory. While he hasn’t won another title since then, Carmichael has consistently delivered successful playoff-caliber offenses. The Saints made the playoffs several times under his leadership, with many of those appearances marked by deep runs in the postseason.
For the Browns, a proven playoff-caliber offensive mind would be an asset as they try to break through in the competitive AFC. Cleveland has a roster built for playoff contention, but the team’s struggles on offense have prevented them from reaching their true potential. Carmichael’s ability to design an offense that can succeed under high-pressure situations and in important games would be a welcome addition.
#### **4. Strong Relationship with Head Coach Dennis Allen**
Another important aspect to consider is Carmichael’s relationship with **Dennis Allen**, the head coach of the Saints. Carmichael and Allen have worked together for years, with Carmichael often being relied upon to adjust the offense to the strengths of whichever quarterback is under center. While Allen’s defensive-minded philosophy may have been a factor in New Orleans’ occasional offensive struggles, the pair has developed a close professional relationship that has allowed Carmichael to have more control over the offensive direction of the team.
In Cleveland, head coach **Kevin Stefanski** is an offensive-minded coach who has struggled to find a consistent rhythm with the Browns’ offense, especially with Watson under center. If Carmichael were to join the Browns, he would likely have the autonomy to implement his vision for the offense, while Stefanski could focus on managing the overall game strategy and the defense. This partnership could work well if Carmichael is given the freedom to run his offense and make the necessary adjustments as the season progresses.
#### **5. A Chance for Redemption**
While Pete Carmichael’s recent tenure with the Saints hasn’t been without its bumps, there’s also an argument to be made that he’s due for a redemption arc. The Saints’ offense has been bogged down by inconsistent quarterback play, injuries, and salary cap constraints, factors that have limited Carmichael’s ability to truly flourish in recent seasons. Moving to a team like the Browns, with a quarterback as talented as Watson and an established offensive line, could provide Carmichael with the fresh opportunity to re-establish himself as one of the NFL’s top offensive minds.
#### **6. Cleveland’s Need for Stability and Change**
The Browns are at a crossroads. With their defense among the best in the league and a roster full of offensive weapons, the team is only one or two pieces away from being a legitimate contender. A coaching change at OC, if executed correctly, could unlock the Browns’ offensive potential. A steady, experienced coach like Carmichael could provide that stability and the fresh perspective that Cleveland needs to make its next step forward.
### **Conclusion: Carmichael Could Be the Change the Browns Need**
As the Browns continue their search for a new offensive coordinator, Pete Carmichael’s name is one that deserves serious consideration. His vast experience working with elite quarterbacks, his ability to craft high-powered offenses, and his proven track record in the postseason make him a valuable candidate for a team like Cleveland, which is desperate for offensive stability and success.
The Browns have the talent to compete in the AFC, but to get over the hump, they need a leader who can unlock the full potential of **Deshaun Watson**, **Nick Chubb**, and the rest of their offensive arsenal. Carmichael could be that guy. If the Browns are looking for a coordinator who can guide them to the next level and ensure their offensive success, Pete Carmichael might just be the right choice. Stay tuned—this could be the beginning of a new chapter in Cleveland’s quest for football glory.
