In the NFL, credit and blame are rarely distributed evenly - especially on teams that have struggled to find consistent success. The head coach and quarterback usually carry the spotlight, for better or worse, while key coordinators and front office minds often operate in the shadows. But even in places where wins have been hard to come by, like Cleveland, talent doesn’t go unnoticed for long.
Take Tommy Rees, for example. The Browns’ offensive coordinator may not be a household name yet, but he’s quietly becoming one of the most intriguing young coaches in football - and not just at the pro level.
After drawing interest from North Carolina and UCLA last year, Rees is once again in the college football conversation. This time, he’s reportedly on Michigan’s radar as a possible replacement for Sherrone Moore, who was fired earlier this week.
Now, Michigan hasn’t officially begun interviews just yet, but Rees is expected to be a serious candidate. He already spoke with Penn State about their head coaching vacancy before they hired Matt Campbell, and his name continues to surface in high-level coaching circles - both in college and the NFL.
At just 33 years old, Rees is building a résumé that’s hard to ignore. He’s been praised for his ability to elevate quarterbacks, a trait that’s becoming more valuable by the year in both college and pro football.
In Cleveland, he’s helped guide the offense through a challenging season, including wins with Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel under center. That’s no small feat.
Sanders, in particular, has shown flashes of being a franchise-changing talent - and how he performs down the stretch could have ripple effects for both Rees and head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Rees’ track record goes back further than his time in Cleveland. At Notre Dame, he helped Ian Book put up record-setting numbers.
At Alabama, it was Jalen Milroe who had his best collegiate season under Rees’ watch. There’s a pattern here: wherever Rees goes, quarterbacks tend to play their best football.
That kind of résumé is what’s drawing attention from major college programs and NFL teams alike. Rees was reportedly well-regarded by Mike Vrabel and may have been in the mix for a coordinator role in New England. While he didn’t land that job, it’s clear the league sees potential in him - not just as a play-caller, but as a future head coach.
As for Michigan, they’re facing more than just a coaching vacancy. The athletic department is under scrutiny, and there’s some turbulence behind the scenes.
But with the recruiting calendar and transfer portal already in full swing, the Wolverines can’t afford to wait too long to make a move. And if they do come calling, Rees would almost certainly listen.
Back in Cleveland, the Browns are heading into a critical final stretch of the season. Stefanski’s long-term future may hinge on how this team finishes, and Rees’ stock could skyrocket with a strong showing from Sanders. It’s a pivotal moment - not just for the Browns, but for a young coach whose star is clearly on the rise.