TOM WITHERS
FILE - Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas walks on the field during the team's NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sept. 10, 2017, in Cleveland. One of 15 finalists for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Thomas has a good chance to be selected in his first year of eligibility. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Former Browns tackle Joe Thomas confident of HOF selection

By Tom Withers Jan. 25, 2023 09:53 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Joe Thomas didn't have much to celebrate during 11 seasons playing

FILE - Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, in Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 15, 2019. The Cleveland Browns named Jim Schwartz, who’s coached some of the top defenses in the NFL in the last two decades, as their next defensive coordinator, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)
Schwartz returns to Browns, this time to fix busted defense

By Tom Withers Jan. 18, 2023 11:35 AM EST
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Other than swiping Bill Belichick's turkey slices, Jim Schwartz

FILE - Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers talks with Tennessee Titans senior advisor Jim Schwartz before an NFL football game Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, in Green Bay, Wis. Schwartz is interviewing Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, with Cleveland for their defensive coordinator vacancy created when coach Kevin Stefanski fired Joe Woods following a season of defensive collapses by the Browns. The 56-year-old Schwartz has been a senior advisor with the Tennessee Titans for the past two seasons. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
AP source: Browns hire Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator

By Tom Withers Jan. 17, 2023 10:04 AM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Jim Schwartz has never been afraid of big challenges. He's tackling

FILE - This is a 2021 photo of Sean Desai of the Chicago Bears NFL football team. The Cleveland Browns began the second week of their search for a new defensive coordinator by interviewing their fourth candidate, Desai, who is the Seattle associate head coach. Desai visited the Browns' training facility on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, two days after the Seahawks were eliminated from the playoffs. (AP Photo, File)
Browns interview Seahawks' Desai for defensive coordinator

By Tom Withers Jan. 16, 2023 03:14 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Browns began the second week of their search for a new

FILE - Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson stands on the field before an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Aug. 21, 2022. The Cleveland Browns interviewed Wilson to be their defensive coordinator on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023 taking advantage of the Eagles having a playoff bye to speak with him. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Browns meet with Eagles assistant Wilson for coordinator job

By Tom Withers Jan. 14, 2023 11:06 AM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Since they'll be watching the NFL playoffs, the Browns used the

FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant Brian Flores works with the defense as they go through drills during practice at NFL football training camp in Latrobe, Pa., Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. Flores, who joined coach Mike Tomlin's staff in Pittsburgh following his messy departure with Miami, is interviewing with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, to be their new defensive coordinator. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)
Brian Flores interviews with Browns to run their defense

By Tom Withers Jan. 12, 2023 10:45 AM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Brian Flores landed in the AFC North last season. He might be ready

FILE - Philadelphia Eagles' Jim Schwartz walks the field before an NFL football game against the New York Giants in Philadelphia, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020. Schwartz is interviewing Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, with Cleveland for their defensive coordinator vacancy created when coach Kevin Stefanski fired Joe Woods following a season of defensive collapses by the Browns. The 56-year-old Schwartz has been a senior advisor with the Tennessee Titans for the past two seasons. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton, File)
Jim Schwartz first to meet with Browns for D-coordinator job

By Tom Withers Jan. 11, 2023 12:07 PM EST
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Jim Schwartz is getting the first crack to prove to the Browns

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) scores on a pass play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Watson, Browns regroup following season shaped by suspension

By Tom Withers Jan. 09, 2023 07:52 PM EST
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Deshaun Watson is dealing with another suspension, this one not

FILE - Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods celebrates a sack during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cleveland, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. Criticized all season for a unit that underperformed, dealt with injuries and didn't always complement Cleveland's offense, Woods said Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, he wants to come back next season. “I hope I get the opportunity, but that’s not my decision,” said Woods, one of Kevin Stefanski's first hires three seasons ago. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Browns fire defensive coordinator Joe Woods after 3 seasons

By Tom Withers Jan. 09, 2023 08:55 AM EST
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Woods took the fall for the Cleveland Browns falling flat

FILE - Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar speaks to fans during the fourth round of the NFL football draft, May 1, 2021, in Cleveland. The Browns fired the beloved Kosar from their pregame radio broadcast before the season finale against Pittsburgh after he violated NFL policy by placing a wager earlier this week after sports gambling became legal in Ohio. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)
Browns fire former QB Kosar from radio gig for making bet

By Tom Withers Jan. 08, 2023 09:09 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Former Cleveland quarterback Bernie Kosar made a costly bet.

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) tackles Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Browns leave Clowney behind for finale vs Steelers

By Tom Withers Jan. 07, 2023 12:44 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Jadeveon Clowney's season is officially over — not that there was

Cleveland Browns defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) tackles Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (8) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Browns done with Jadeveon Clowney after critical comments

By Tom Withers Jan. 06, 2023 10:33 AM EST
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Jadeveon Clowney's last move with the Cleveland Browns happened

FILE - Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods celebrates a sack during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Cleveland, Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022. Criticized all season for a unit that underperformed, dealt with injuries and didn't always complement Cleveland's offense, Woods said Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, he wants to come back next season. “I hope I get the opportunity, but that’s not my decision,” said Woods, one of Kevin Stefanski's first hires three seasons ago. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Browns defensive coordinator hoping to return next season

By Tom Withers Jan. 05, 2023 01:12 PM EST
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods wants another shot.

Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit (22) celebrates his interception with cornerback Greedy Williams (26)during the second half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Watson gives Browns glimpse of future with 3-TD performance

By Tom Withers Jan. 02, 2023 06:07 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Deshaun Watson signed with the Browns back in March amid fanfare

FILE - Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) rushes during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Cleveland. Garrett's failure to communicate with the Browns led to coach Kevin Stefanski benching him for the start of last week's game, a decision Cleveland's Pro Bowl defensive end said he respected (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin, File)
Browns star Garrett respects decision to bench him 3 plays

By Tom Withers Dec. 30, 2022 03:04 PM EST
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Myles Garrett blamed himself for being benched.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Deshaun Watson preaches patience in early stages with Browns

By Tom Withers Dec. 29, 2022 06:02 PM EST
BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Along with passes and plays, Deshaun Watson is practicing patience

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson walks off the field after losing to the New Orleans Saints, 17-10, in an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Bitter cold loss leaves Browns outside playoffs once again

By Tom Withers Dec. 26, 2022 03:28 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — There's nothing left for the Cleveland Browns to accomplish this

Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt (27) is stopped by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Prince Emili (57) 'during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Browns, Deshaun Watson eliminated from playoff chase

By Tom Withers Dec. 24, 2022 06:55 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — On a freezing day for football, the Browns' most jarring chill came

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts after his 12-yard rushing touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Saints overcome deficit, bitter cold to beat Browns 17-10

By Tom Withers Dec. 24, 2022 04:12 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Without a roof over their heads, the Saints went outside and handled

FILE - Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) following an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in Detroit. Conklin has agreed to a four-year, $60 million contract extension to stay with the Cleveland Browns, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2022. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
AP source: Conklin, Browns agree on 4-year, $60 million deal

By Tom Withers Dec. 23, 2022 01:22 PM EST
CLEVELAND (AP) — Jack Conklin recently made it clear that he didn't want to leave