Mike Priefer. Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Browns fire second coach of offseason

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 2/21/23

The Browns have had a quiet offseason thus far, but they have fired their second coach following the 2022 season. Cleveland parted ways with special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.

"I appreciate everything Prief has done for this team in his three seasons as my special teams coordinator," head coach Kevin Stefanski said in a statement. "We wish Prief the best with his next opportunity."

We've parted ways with special teams coordinator Mike Priefer.

Thank you, Coach Prief, for all you've done for our organization and city. pic.twitter.com/YS0ewYWTpy
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 21, 2023

The Browns finished as the 18th-ranked special teams unit in 2022, allowing 378.5 points, per sportswriter Rick Gosselin. The team also had just one punt return for a touchdown during Priefer's time in Cleveland.

Priefer was previously the special teams coordinator for the Vikings (2011-2018), Broncos (2009-2010) and Chiefs (2006-2008), as well as the assistant special teams coach for the Giants (2003-2005) and Jaguars (2002).

The Browns have already started the process of finding their next special teams coordinator. They requested an interview with Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, who is reportedly Cleveland's top candidate for the job.

Ventrone played for the Browns as a special team ace from 2009-2012 and has led one of the NFL's top units in Indianapolis for the past five years.

If Cleveland can steal Ventrone from the Colts, it would certainly be an upgrade for the team heading into 2023.

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