Browns Hire Gregg Williams As Defensive Coordinator

Update:

The Cleveland Browns announced Sunday that they’ve officially hired Gregg Williams as defensive coordinator to replace Ray Horton, who has been relieved of his duties.

“We are thrilled that Gregg Williams is joining our staff as defensive coordinator,” Jackson said. “Gregg has been an outstanding defensive coach in this league for a very long time. His defenses have frequently finished among the top ten in the league. He adapts his scheme to maximize the strengths of his personnel and has always been able to get the most out of his players. We look forward to him coming in, helping our players improve and helping us become the winning team we are all working towards.”

“It’s very exciting for me to become part of the Cleveland Browns organization and join Hue Jackson’s coaching staff,” Williams said. “I have so much respect for Hue having competed against him in this league for so many years. We’re looking forward to getting to work.”

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Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the Browns have secured an agreement with Gregg Williams to be their next defensive coordinator.

• According to La Canfora, wholesale changes coming to the Browns’ defensive coaching staff.

This, of course, means that DC Ray Horton has been fired by the Browns, which was expected.

The Browns were also linked to former Jaguars HC Gus Bradley and Wade Phillips but Alex Marvez reported earlier in the day that Williams had until Monday to decide whether he wants to accept Cleveland’s defensive coordinator job.

According to Tony Grossi, Williams is expected to bring at least three Rams’ assistant coaches with him to the Browns and Marvez mentioned that Rams DBs coach Brandon Fisher will be among them.

Williams, 58, has worked for several NFL teams over the course of his career including the Oilers/Titans, Bills, Redskins, Jaguars, Saints, and most recently for the Rams.

In 2016, Williams’ defense ranked No. 9 in yards allowed, No. 23 in points allowed, No. 16 in rushing yards and No. 10 in pass yards.

As for the Browns, they were No. 30 in points allowed, No. 31 in rushing yards allowed, No. 32 in passing yards allowed and No. 31 in total yards allowed under Horton.