Browns OC Ken Dorsey takes over the game after a five-game losing streak

The Browns are changing management following a five-game losing streak, with coach Kevin Stefanski handing over play orders to first-year offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.

Stefanski announced the surprising move Wednesday before the team's first practice with Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback. Deshaun Watson will undergo season-ending surgery later this week to repair a torn Achilles tendon he suffered in last week's loss to the Bengals.

The Buffalo Bills fired Dorsey as the team's offensive coordinator and game manager last November. Although many assumed at the time that the Browns would hire Dorsey as game manager, Stefanski announced in July that he would remain as game manager.

Stefanski is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year and one of the league's best playmakers, but almost nothing has worked for the 1-6 Browns this season. He has dictated the plays since taking over in 2020, with just one exception: the wild-card game following the 2020 season, when Stefanski was unable to practice due to COVID-19. Alex Van Pelt, who was the offensive coordinator for the last four seasons before the Browns fired him last January, called the plays in this game.

Now the Browns are making a seemingly desperate move. Is it also understandable? Given the circumstances, probably.

Stefanski said it was “entirely” his decision to make the move, but given that Stefanski has always resisted questions about giving up play-calling – and opportunities to do so – the decision is strange.

“To improve ourselves, this is the right step,” said Stefanski.

The Browns are the only team in the league to score 20 points or rush for 300 yards in a game so far.

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(Photo: Ken Blaze / Imagn Images)